The United States has warned its citizens against traveling to the Philippines, citing a "very high level of COVID-19" in the Southeast Asian nation.
A "Do Not Travel" to the Philippines advisory was issued by the U.S. on Tuesday, April 20 -- the highest alert in a four-tier system that includes "reconsider travel," "exercise increased caution," and "exercise normal precautions."
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the Philippines due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country," the travel advisory stated.
"There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into the Philippines," it added.
Since March, Manila has been fighting a renewed surge of COVID-19 infections that has overwhelmed hospitals and prompted the revival of lockdowns in the capital region and nearby provinces.
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Aside from the Philippines' COVID-19 situation, the U.S. also warned its people against traveling specifically to Sulu, and Marawi City due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping."
Washington meanwhile urged Americans to reconsider travel to other areas of Mindanao for the same reasons.
"Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in the Philippines," it said.
"Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities," it added.
The full travel advisory can be viewed here.
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