6 Countries You must Avoid Travelling to Amid Rising Covid Cases

A new year has begun, and it is time to plan new holidays with your family. There are many ways to celebrate New Year's Eve, but if travel is on your mind, you may have to be a little extra cautious, especially if you are planning to travel overseas.  

Amid the surging COVID-19 cases in China and a few countries worldwide, there is a looming threat of another major global outbreak, especially as people travel for New Year celebrations. Given the gravity of the situation, many countries are exposed to impose travel restrictions in the New year to prevent the infection surge.  

Currently, China is at the top of the list in terms of the number of active cases, and it is rising every day. The notorious Omicron BF.7 sub-variant, which is causing the infection, is said to be highly infectious than the previous variants of the virus. It also has better immune escape capabilities.  

In such a situation, you must refrain from travelling to the following countries that are classified as high-risk countries. 

China 

If you have plans to visit China for New Year, it is best advised to forfeit it now. China has reported a record number of infections, and according to the official reports, about 18% of the population in the country was infected by COVID-19 in the first 20 days of December 2022. The medical infrastructure in the country is currently beyond overwhelmed, and experts fear that the new wave could lead to a massive rise in the mortality rate.  

Japan 

According to Japanese health ministry data, the country recorded about 415 COVID-19 deaths within the first 20 days of December. The ministry also suggested that Japan is experiencing a significant increase in the number of people being infected by COVID-19 infection. The country has already taken measures to conduct a COVID-19 test for all incoming tourists and put them through thermal screening. If anyone is found COVID-19, they will be put under compulsory isolation.  

South Korea 

Another south Asian country that has come under the heavy scanner due to the rising COVID-19 cases related because of the spread of the BF.7 Omicron sub-variant is South Korea. On December 23, 2022, the country reported more than 68,000 new cases daily. The country also confirmed more than 65 new infection cases coming from overseas. With the massive surge of COVID-19 cases, it is certainly not advisable to visit  Kora in 2023 or for New Year celebrations. 

United States 

When COVID-19 infection first hit the world, the US struggled to keep the rising infection under check, and the country's healthcare system was put to the utmost test. With the surging cases worldwide, the US again reports a sudden and massive rise in COVID-19 cases daily. On the penultimate day of Christmas, Omicron sub-variant XBB accounted for about 18.3% of the COVID-19 active cases in the nation.  

US officials have stated that COVID-19 cases are rising at an alarming rate in the northeastern states, and the holiday season travelling has been a major contributing factor. Although the country has not announced any travel ban officially, it is better to avoid travelling to the US to keep yourself and your family safe from the deadly infection.  

France 

One of the few European countries that are badly hit by the new wave of COVID-19 infection, France has reported more than 10 lakh cases between November 15 and early December. As per WHO (World Health Organisation) reports, France reported more than 34100 cases reported on the week ending on December 24. The French health officials have suggested that the surging cases are alarming and warned the citizens to exercise extreme caution while travelling within the country and overseas.  

So, if you have plans to see the magnificent Iron Lady (Eiffel Tower) or travel to the French countryside, it is better to keep your plan on hold for now and wait until the COVID-19 situation is under control.  

Germany 

Another European country that has been facing the COVID-19 infection wrath is Germany. According to local media reports, the country has registered more than 40,000 cases daily in the few days in December 2022. While the local government has asked the citizens to avoid travelling during the Christmas and New Year holidays, it is better to exercise caution and avoid travelling to Germany.  

Instead of Germany, you can travel somewhere in India and enjoy your holiday with your loved ones. You can feel safe and have fun without worrying about contracting the infection. Some of the best locations to travel to at this time of the year are Kerala, Goa, and Manali, where the weather is excellent and the new year's spirits are high. 

You can make your holiday safe by booking your stay at the resorts by Club Mahindra in these locations. Here you can enjoy a safe space to have fun and indulge in various experiences curated just for you.  

So, now that you know the high-risk nations to visit in the New Year, avoid travelling to these countries. As they say, prevention is better than cure; you don't want to undergo painful treatment for COVID-19 infection or be isolated. Instead, stay at home and stay safe!