The United States Department of State has warned American citizens not to travel to Jamaica, due to ‘COVID-19 related conditions’.

In an updated notice published on Monday (January 10), the State Department also reneweed its advice to Americans to “exercise increase caution in Jamaica due to crime”, noting that some areas have increased risk.

According to the State Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Jamaica due to COVID-19, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country.

“Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorised vaccine,” the State Department said.

Jamaica has, in recent days, been confirming record numbers of new COVID-19 infections, must has been the case for the rest of the world.

While it is suspected that the spike in cases and fourth wave now impacting the island is connected to the highly transmissible Omicron variant, there has yet to be confirmation of the variant in anyone tested while they are in the island.

“Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. The Government of Jamaica has in place mandatory quarantine periods due to COVID-19 that could seriously impact a US citizen’s ability to depart Jamaica.”

With regard to crime, the State Department also listed several communities in Kingston, Montego Bay in St James, and Spanish Town in St Catherine which it advised its citizens not to travel to.

“Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the State Department said.

“Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Emergency services vary throughout the island, and response times may vary from US standards. US government personnel are prohibited from traveling to areas listed below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night.”

AREAS TO AVOID DUE TO CRIME ACCORDING TO US STATE DEPARTMENT

Kingston

Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Kingston. Do not travel to the following areas:

• Cassava Piece
• Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, and Arnett Gardens.
• Grants Pen
• Standpipe

Montego Bay

Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Montego Bay. Do not travel to the following areas:

• Canterbury
• Clavers Street
• Flankers
• Hart Street
• Norwood
• Rose Heights

Spanish Town

Do not travel to Spanish Town. Violence and shootings occur regularly in Spanish Town.