The U.S. is preparing to advise Americans not to travel abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The State Department is expected raise its travel advisory worldwide to Level 4: Do Not Travel — the highest level. The guidance comes as Americans traveling in countries abroad struggle to make their way home amid widespread border closures and nationwide quarantines as countries scramble to contain the outbreak.
Four sources told CNN Thursday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had approved a Level 4 advisory.
Last week the advisory was raised globally to Level 3: Reconsider Travel “due to the global impact of COVID-19.”
Asked about the advisory, President Donald Trump said that he couldn’t “say right now” but noted he would be “speaking with the State Department later.”
Another source told CNN that the move would be aimed at curtailing Americans’ travel abroad and to get those who are traveling to come home.
However, hundreds of Americans are already abroad, including in countries which have restricted travel and closed their borders in an effort to contain the outbreak. Many of those who are stranded say they are struggling to get help from the State Department.
CNN