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The State Department issued an updated travel advisory on Thursday, instructing Americans not to travel overseas because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The advisory also urged Americans already abroad to return to the US or shelter in place.

“Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice,” the State Department said in a statement.

“Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe,” it said.

The statement also notified travelers that US embassies and consulates around the world may have trouble providing services to Americans.

The State Department on Sunday authorized US personnel and family members in global diplomatic posts who are at high risk of the virus to return home.

The department raised the warning from a level 3 travel advisory to a level 4, the most serious
There are more than 222,000 coronavirus cases worldwide.