#15,931
Although there are anecdotal reports suggesting India's recent surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths far exceeds what is officially being reported, the numbers released (see below) by the WHO earlier this week paint a dire enough picture.
South-East Asia Region
The South-East Asia Region reported over 2.2 million new cases and over 17 000 new deaths, a 49% and an 81% increase respectively compared to the previous week. A very sharp rise in new cases and new deaths reported since early in March continues. The main driver of this increase in the region is the high numbers of new cases reported from India (2 172 063 new cases; 157.4 new cases per 100 000; a 52% increase). Additionally, high numbers of new cases were reported from Indonesia (37 029 new cases; 13.5 new cases per 100 000; similar to previous week), and Bangladesh (27 148 new cases; 16.5 new cases per 100 000; a 25% decrease).
The highest numbers of new deaths were reported from India (15 161 new deaths; 1.1 new deaths per 100 000; a 93% increase), Indonesia (1172 new deaths; 0.4 new deaths per 100 000; a 32% increase), and Bangladesh (669 new deaths; 0.4 new deaths per 100 000; an 8% increase).
With the healthcare delivery system either nearing collapse, or already there, the CDC and State Department have issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice and Level 4 Travel Advisory advising against all travel to India.
Additionally, the U.S. Embassies in India have issued the following notices, urging those who can leave the country to consider doing so, citing critical shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related patients across India.
Health Alert
Home | News & Events | Health Alert
Location: India
Actions to Take: Access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in India due to the surge in Covid-19 cases. U.S. citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options now. Direct flights between India and the United States are offered daily, with additional flight options available to U.S. citizens via transfers in Paris and Frankfurt.
We urge U.S. citizens to enroll in STEP at step.state.gov in order to receive critical information from the Embassy related to health and safety in India.
Please visit the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website for the latest information on travel restrictions.
Event: 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. Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related patients. U.S. 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.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice and the Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory advising against all travel to India. Level 4 is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Health Alert: Authorized Departure of Family Members of U.S. Government Employees from U.S. Mission India
Home | News & Events | Health Alert: Authorized Departure of Family Members of U.S. Government Employees from U.S. Mission India
Location: India
Event: On April 28, 2021, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of family members of U.S. government employees in Mission India. U.S. Embassy New Delhi and Consulates General Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will remain open and continue to provide emergency consular services.Actions to Take: U.S. citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of commercial transportation options. Direct flights between India and the United States are offered daily, with additional flight options available to U.S. citizens via transfers in Paris, Frankfurt, and Doha.We urge U.S. citizens to enroll in STEP at step.state.gov in order to receive critical information from the Embassy related to health and safety in India.Please visit the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website for the latest information on travel restrictions.
(SNIP)
New cases and deaths from COVID-19 have risen sharply throughout India to record levels over the last month. COVID-19 testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in many locations. Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related patients. U.S. citizens are reporting being denied admission 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.
You'll find other COVID related Embassy alerts issued over the past couple of days at the following link, including:
