US asks citizens to leave India at the earliest amid spike in Covid-19 cases

The United States on Thursday advised its citizens not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so amid a massive surge in Covid-19 cases.

The US put India on Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest level issued by the Department of State, saying access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in India.

Access to medical care is severely limited due to Covid-19 cases. US citizens wishing to depart should use available commercial options now. Daily direct flights to the US and flights via Paris and Frankfurt are available," the State Department tweeted.

The current Level 4 Travel Advisory asks US citizens not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so due to the current health situation in the country.

"We urge US citizens to enrol in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme) at step.state.gov in order to receive critical information from the Embassy related to health and safety in India," it said. The US asked American citizens to visit the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website for the latest information on travel restrictions.

"New cases and deaths from Covid-19 have risen sharply throughout India to record levels. COVID-19 testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in many locations," the mission said in a statement.

Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 related patients. US citizens are reporting being denied admittance to hospitals in some cities due to a lack of space.

Some states have enacted curfews and other restrictions that limit movement and the operation of non-essential businesses," it said.

On Thursday, India saw a record 3,79,257 new Covid-19 infections, 3,645 fatalities, which pushed India's tally of cases to 1,83,76,524, death toll to 2,04,832.

US President Joe Biden spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday and pledged America’s “steadfast support for the people of India” hit by the unprecedented surge in Covid cases that has hit a record high in both case count and daily deaths.