CDC returns Mexico to highest COVID travel advisory level, amid surge in case numbers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is telling Americans to avoid traveling to Mexico, amid a surge of COVID-19 cases.

The agency put Mexico back on its highest-level travel advisory after the country reporting over 4,500 new confirmed cases a day over the past week. 

"If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to Mexico" the CDC warned in its advisory.

The agency also recommended that those who have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease should consider delaying travel to Mexico.

Mexico is the seventh country in the past week that the CDC has put into its top, level-three advisory category, joining 113 other countries with the designation. Level three guidance means there have been over 100 new cases per 100,000 residents. 

The changes come after the federal government's easing of multiple travel restrictions.

As of Sunday, passengers are no longer forced to provide proof of a negative COVID test prior to flights entering the United States.  A Florida judge overturned the CDC’s airline mask mandate back in April.