The CDC issued a Level 3 notice to Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, St Martin, and Antigua & Barbuda — all of which are main connecting hubs to the territory.

Based on the CDC’s Geographic Risk Assessment for COVID-19 Transmission, a Level 3 notice means the risk of contracting the virus in those listed countries is very high.

Countries COVID-19 cases

According according to global statistics provider, Worldometre, Puerto Rico currently has 20,275 active COVID-19 cases. Seven hundred of that number are new cases recorded Monday, August 10.

The US Virgin Islands has 128 active cases, with 19 newly recorded cases.

Unlike the previous two, St Maarten and Antigua have not reported new transmissions today. The have 31 and 13 active cases, respectively.

The CDC is therefore asking older adults, persons with underlying medical conditions, and others at increased risk for severe illness to consider postponing all travel – including essential travel – to all Level 3 listed countries.

Persons who must travel to these countries are asked to follow the COVID-19 preventative measures, which includes wearing a mask, staying six feet away from persons and washing hands or using sanitizers.

No travel notice for BVI

In the meantime, the CDC’s official website said a travel health notice was not necessary for the BVI. Only two other Caribbean islands made that list — the Cayman Islands and Dominica.

More than 200 named countries have made the CDC’s Level 3 list, which is the highest possible ranking. Levels 1 & 2 notices mean a country presents a respective low and moderate chance of persons contracting the virus.