State Department Urges US Citizens Not to Travel Abroad

The State Department on Thursday urged U.S. citizens not to travel abroad because of coronavirus.

“In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period,” reads the advisory. “U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel.”

The advisory notes many countries have their own coronavirus outbreaks and are “implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice.”

“Airlines have canceled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or canceled trips,” it says. “If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.”

World Health Organization statistics as of Wednesday indicate there have been 191,127 confirmed coronavirus cases and 7,807 deaths around the world. More than 10,000 coronavirus cases have been reported in the U.S. with at least 170 deaths, according to the New York Times.

The coronavirus continues to inflict a serious blow to the LGBTQ travel industry with canceled cruises and flights and hotel and restaurant closures.

This article originally appeared in the Washington Blade and is made available in partnership with the National LGBT Media Association.