CDC removes all countries from the do-not travel list!
After months of warning all travelers to avoid a long list of countries because of “very high” COVID-19 levels, the CDC has removed all countries from its “Do Not Travel” list.
The federal agency on Monday removed 89 countries from its “Do Not Travel” list. The highest Level 4 designation will now be reserved for “special circumstances” reflecting a dangerous spike in COVID-19 cases, a new variant, or health care infrastructure collapse.
While the Level 4 list had at one point included well over 100 destinations, now there are no Level 4 countries. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 classifications continue to be based on a 28-day incidence or case counts.
Countries with a “high level of COVID-19” are considered Level 3. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated are still advised to avoid traveling to these destinations, but the warning does not apply to fully vaccinated visitors. Travelers with weakened immune systems are urged to check with doctors before visiting.
Source: USA Today
Etihad protests “attacks” in Jerusalem!
Etihad Airways, the national flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is pulling its participation in Israel’s annual Independence Day celebrations which are set to take place between the evening of May 4 and May 5.
Along with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the airline was set to take part in a traditional aerial display in which Israel’s airforce and airlines including El Al fly along the coast from north to south. The event attracts thousands of people who throng the shore in Tel Aviv.
Both Etihad Airways and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi have, however, now confirmed that they won’t be taking part in the flyby. Separately, the UAE summoned Israel’s ambassador to the country for a dressing down over recent events at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound (also commonly known as Temple Mount) in Jerusalem which is one of the holiest sites in Islam.
Jordon has a traditional role as custodian of Temple Mount as an intermediary between Israelis and Palestinians but in recent days Israeli security forces have entered the compound. Clashes and violence have broken out within Temple Mount, as well as in the West Bank.
Tensions first boiled over on Friday and there have been reports of clashes every day since. The overlap between Ramadan and Passover is believed to have heightened tensions.
Source: Paddle Your Own Kanoo
