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The CDC raised the travel advisories for France and Israel to the highest level Monday, a result of surging COVID-19 cases in those countries.
Why it matters: The recent rapid spread of COVID across the world is largely a result of the Delta variant, which is more contagious than the original strain of the virus.
- By classifying those countries as Level 4, the CDC recommends avoiding travel to them, warning that "even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants."
- The travel advisory for Israel extends to the West Bank and Gaza.
- Other countries with Level 4 travel advisories currently include Ireland, Iran, Iceland, Thailand and Greece.
Go deeper: Coronavirus Variant Tracker