Europe's Travel Maps Have Turned Very Red

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published updated color-code maps today in support of the Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to travel measures in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus variant known as Omicron has disrupted most travel plans in Europe.

As of December 16, 2021, the overall total of Omicron cases has reached 3,158 so far.

A preliminary analysis of the initial Omicron cases reported to The European Surveillance System shows that imported or travel-related cases account for 13% of cases.

In comparison, 70% of the cases reported have been acquired locally.

Globally, there were 15,778 confirmed Omicron cases reported by 85 countries.

Areas are marked in the following colors:

• Green: if the 14-day notification rate is less than 50 and the test positivity rate is less than 4%; or if the 14-day notification rate is less than 75 and the test positivity rate less than 1%.
• Orange: if the 14-day notification rate is less than 50 and the test positivity rate is 4% or more, or the 14-day notification rate is 50 or more and less than 75, and the test positivity rate is 1% or more, or the 14-day notification rate is between 75 and 200 and the test positivity rate is less than 4%.
• Red: if the 14-day cumulative COVID-19 case notification rate ranges from 75 to 200 and the test positivity rate of tests for COVID-19 infection is 4% or more, or if the 14-day cumulative COVID-19 case notification rate is more than 200 but less than 500.
• Dark red: if the 14-day cumulative COVID-19 case notification rate is 500 or more.
• Grey: if there is insufficient information or the testing rate is lower than 300 cases per 100 000.

The U.S. State Department says 'a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. Or this color-coded worldwide map.'

And to receive updated Travel Advisories and Alerts, choose the method that works best for you at travel.state.gov/stayingconnected.