SS Future Re-Open Plan: Timing, Testing Needs??!!

[TLCOhio]

20 hours ago, cece50 said:

Informative post Terry. Thanks. 

 

Appreciate ALL of these great comments and follow-ups.  Keep it coming!!  Great sharing and helpful, interesting background.   

 

From YAHOO News yesterday, they had this headline: “COVID-19 AstraZeneca issues: Pfizer, Moderna are ‘preferred’ for second shot, U.S. travel problem may arise” with these highlights: “National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is now recommending that individuals who received a single dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine be given an mRNA vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, for their second dose.  'An mRNA vaccine is now preferred as the second dose for individuals who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine, based on emerging evidence of a potentially better immune response from this mixed vaccine schedule and to mitigate the potential risk of VITT [vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia] associated with viral vector vaccines,' the recommendation from NACI reads.  'The emerging evidence suggesting better immune responses when a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is followed by a second dose of the Pfzier-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines,' Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's chief public health officer said at a press conference on Thursday.”

 

How good is the AstraZeneca??  To see certain New York City shows on Broadway, the AstraZeneca vaccine is not considered good enough and/or effective.  How will this trend/doubt affect travelers around the world who seek to visit a wider range of countries?  Glad that my two doses back in February were by Moderna.  

 

Also this morning on MSNBC, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb was interviewed and was saying that a fall uptick in Covid infections is expected, especially among those who are not vaccinated.  Lots happening??!!   Many questions and areas of uncertainty?

 

Full story at:

https://news.yahoo.com/covid19-vaccine-astrazeneca-pfizer-moderna-second-shot-naci-230829766.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 233,424 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[Silver Spectre]

More vaccine nationalism?

[cruiseerf]

I would like to chime in regarding hiring.   Virus aside, the cruiselines laid off their rank and file employees across the board as to lower their $$$.  They were paying them quite low salaries and Yes, many found work they didn't know about in their local countries.  Also, with the Virus around, many are choosing to make less but stay closer to their families which is completely understandable with limited vaccine resources in poorer nations.  I have two friends who are "hiring" for cruiseships currently utilizing a vast networks of third party "in country" limited liability vendors for their needs.   To quote one of them "it is a nightmare"......The amount of inexperienced brand new staff being hired is quadruple what was the norm.   This will bring service and safety issues to the forefront.  The issues with vaccinations adds a whole entire new layer of moving their staff around and trying to control what happens onboard the vessels.   Also keep in mind that many mid level management were let go as well and many waiters I have met through the years (both good and terrible) have now received "Promotions" to managerial positions.   It is going to be very interesting to see how this all shakes out.  I have a friend who is getting off the Celebrity Millennium in St. Martin tomorrow and another one joining.   600+ passengers,  near empty ships, Coronovirus protocols being followed....So far everyone I have spoken to is VERY happy to just be back to cruising.   That said, I believe that setting our expectations realistically is the key to future cruising.  Cruising as we used to know it is never to return,  cruising 102 is now upon us and we must adapt.  As more ships come online, I have no doubt we will hear more stories and the key seems to be the virus protocols in effect.   Also note that MSC has been sailing 6 ships full around Italy for the last 6-9 months....with some Virus breakouts but they have really been on top of this.   Of course they are an entirely privately owned company so what information is publicly released should probably be discounted ;).    I have land trips planned for the rest of this year and then begin cruising in 2022, if a new virus hasn't sprung up by then?.....Wishing everyone a SAFE and HEALTHY summer.  Best.  

[worldtraveller99]

I agree with Silver Spectre re vaccine nationalism. If you have had 2 Astra-Zeneca doses (like us and the majority of the UK) how could you then have 2 Pfizer doses too, just to go to a Broadway show? It doesn't work like that!

[chrism23]

 

On 6/15/2021 at 9:49 PM, docruth said:

 

And this affects cruising how? 🤷‍♀️

 

Doc Ruth

I have read, I wish I can remember the sources that the Pfizer vaccine is 88% effective against the Delta variant.   The 88% is not necessarily alarming, what is of concern to me is that its effectiveness has dropped 8% from 96%.  If there is a continued drop in efficacy then I am concerned.  I also read, damn I have to start writing down sources, that the Delta variant has 23 separate mutations.  ( I will go find the sources in my stacks of paper is someone insists) This also worries me because there is no telling what each one of these mutations will do. My sense, referred to by Terry above quoting Dr.Gottlieb, is that we are still very much dealing with a moving target.  Right now its Delta, we may see Echo, Foxtrot, and the lord knows what else.  I believe that in the United States, there is such a sense of relief at finally feeling a a taste of freedom we are being lulled into a false sense of security.  The US is one of the top 3 countries in the world in terms of the % of people vaccinated.  I forget where Israel is etc.  But, that number is around 140,000,000 who have received at least one dose.  I must point out that there are 160,000,000 who haven't.  I find little solace in that number.  I am such a downer, hell I hate to read my own stuff.  But our dance with COVID is far from being over. ( BTW and this just came over my news feed that issues are arising with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine that you might want to check out) So stiff upper lip and all that stuff.  I am getting on a SS ship in 2022 come hell or high water.  

 

 

[taxatty]

Another win for our Governor, although an appeal would not be surprising. The Miami Herald reports that in a 124-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday of the Middle District of Florida threw out the CDC's safety rules for cruise companies operating in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic . The CDC's

“conditional sail order” can remain in place for Florida cruises only until July 18, granting DeSantis’ request for a preliminary injunction while the full case moves forward--thereafter, the rules become only non-binding recommendations for cruise companies. The CDC has until July 2 to propose a more limited set of cruise regulations to the court.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article252215988.html?ac_cid=DM474619&ac_bid=835479046

Edited June 18, 2021 by taxatty

[frantic36]

5 hours ago, taxatty said:

Another win for our Governor,

 

I wonder if people wanting to sail on vaccinated only cruise lines would consider it a win. Interesting that Celebrity has just put out rules for unvaccinated. 

 

"Additional antigen testing will be performed while at the pier, onboard the ship mid-cruise, and prior to disembarkation. Unvaccinated passengers will be charged $178 per person for these tests, which will be applied to their onboard accounts."

"apply only to unvaccinated passengers over the age of 16 (or 12 as of August 1), include the use of masks at all times except when eating and drinking; possible restrictions for going ashore that can include the purchase of ship-sponsored tours, and the requirement for unvaccinated guests to use only designated seating in public rooms including the dining rooms, casino, theatre, and other venues as noted by Celebrity."

 

 

[Randyk47]

8 hours ago, frantic36 said:

 

I wonder if people wanting to sail on vaccinated only cruise lines would consider it a win. Interesting that Celebrity has just put out rules for unvaccinated. 

 

"Additional antigen testing will be performed while at the pier, onboard the ship mid-cruise, and prior to disembarkation. Unvaccinated passengers will be charged $178 per person for these tests, which will be applied to their onboard accounts."

"apply only to unvaccinated passengers over the age of 16 (or 12 as of August 1), include the use of masks at all times except when eating and drinking; possible restrictions for going ashore that can include the purchase of ship-sponsored tours, and the requirement for unvaccinated guests to use only designated seating in public rooms including the dining rooms, casino, theatre, and other venues as noted by Celebrity."

 

 

Good grief.  While I understand the caution at some level this really smacks of the “scarlet letter”.   🥴

Edited June 19, 2021 by Randyk47

[taxatty]

Florida's Republican Senator Scott is quoted this morning in the Miami Herald that he supported Gov. DeSantis' so-far successful court battle against the CDC's government-based restrictions, but at the same time, agreed that private companies such as cruise lines should be able to set their own standards for vaccinated and non-vaccinated passengers. Scott stated that he didn't believe that the government should be able to mandate disclosure of personal medical information ,"but a private company, if they want to make a decision that's going to keep their employees safe, their customers safe, that's a business decision they get to make." Scott also said that he has no issue with private companies asking for such information. Those statements could mean that notwithstanding yesterday's court victory, Florida won't try to put a stop to the efforts of RCI, Celebrity and others to enforce their announced additional costs, protocols and restrictions against persons who can't produce proof of vaccination.https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article252204668.html#storylink=bignews_latest

[Lois R]

Hi Les, I wonder what Tallahassee is going to say about this? Basically, Scott is putting a totally different take on it than the Gov.......that businesses should be able to do what they want.......

The Gov probably won't be too pleased with the Senator's opinion, even he spins it otherwise. 

[taxatty]

25 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi Les, I wonder what Tallahassee is going to say about this? Basically, Scott is putting a totally different take on it than the Gov.......that businesses should be able to do what they want.......

The Gov probably won't be too pleased with the Senator's opinion, even he spins it otherwise. 

I agree completely. The cruise lines have apparently figured out an "end-around" plan clearly designed to discourage nonvaccinated persons from cruising from Florida ports and to treat them differently if they decide to do so anyway, when the intention of DeSantis and the Florida legislature was to totally "level the playing field" (sorry for the sports analogies). On the other hand, Sen. Scott, the consummate pro-business politician (ignoring the issues his company had in the private sector) can't really say anything different.

[TLCOhio]

11 minutes ago, taxatty said:

Florida's Republican Senator Scott is quoted this morning in the Miami Herald that he supported Gov. DeSantis' so-far successful court battle against the CDC's government-based restrictions, but at the same time, agreed that private companies such as cruise lines should be able to set their own standards for vaccinated and non-vaccinated passengers. Scott stated that he didn't believe that the government should be able to mandate disclosure of personal medical information ,"but a private company, if they want to make a decision that's going to keep their employees safe, their customers safe, that's a business decision they get to make." 

 

Appreciate from our Miami tax attorney friend your helpful posting of these various news items, comments and follow-ups.  As shown by Senator Scott's positions, there is much "tangled and twisted" in trying to figure out what ALL of this means and what will happen next.  Who's in charge?  

 

These are classic legal and Constitutional issues as to how much of the "power" rests in the hands of the Federal government (through the CDC) . . . versus . . . the normal health controls being under state and local governments.  Then, there are the questions of private companies, their "rights" to set standards, make their own rules, etc.  

 

The CDC seems fairly silent so far after losing at this legal level.  Now, there is the question as to whether the CDC will "fine-tune" its rules and/or appeal to the higher Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.  Or, maybe, will the CDC, cruise lines and Florida put their heads together and craft some sort of compromise?  Many questions and much uncertainties??!!

 

From that Miami Herald story yesterday with the headline of “Federal judge throws out CDC’s cruise safety regulations” here are some of the highlights that were most of interest to me: “A federal judge threw out U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety rules for cruise companies operating in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic Friday.  In a 124-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday of the Middle District of Florida said the agency’s 'conditional sail order' can remain in place for Florida cruises only until July 18.  

After July 18, the rules will become non-binding recommendations for cruise companies as they are for other industries. The CDC has until July 2 to propose a more limited set of cruise regulations to the court. In Friday’s order, which applies only to cruises from Florida, Judge Merryday ruled that the CDC did not sufficiently justify the need for its cruise safety regulations.  Regulations in the conditional sail order that require cruise companies to report cases of COVID-19 to the CDC are within the agency’s authority, Merrday’s ruling said. Other regulations — including a requirement that ships have COVID-19 testing labs, revamped ventilation systems and vaccination thresholds — are not.  Merryday called the CDC’s claim it has discretion to shut down a cruise because of COVID-19 transmission, “breathtaking, unprecedented, and acutely and singularly authoritarian” and compared it to a hypothetical shutdown of sexual intercourse nationwide to prevent the spread of AIDS.  The CDC has until July 2 to present Merryday with 'a narrower injunction both permitting cruise ships to sail timely and remaining within CDC’s authority as interpreted in this order.' ”

 

The author of this lengthy story noted: "The ruling is another jarring juncture in the already twisting cruise restart."  Plus these added items in the story:  "Paired with the already-confusing landscape of vaccine requirements, 'Friday’s ruling has the potential to turn cruisers away', said Larry Gostin, professor of global health law at Georgetown University and director of the World Health Organization’s center on global health law.  The CDC has to decide whether to appeal Merryday’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit or try to settle the case, said Bob Jarvis, a constitutional law professor at Nova Southeastern University."

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/tourism-cruises/article252215988.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 90,685 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, you mentioned the CDC being fairly silent.......they probably don't think saying anything would  help the situation at the moment AND they don't want to get into a P****g match with anyone. 

[cruiseej]

27 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, you mentioned the CDC being fairly silent.......they probably don't think saying anything would  help the situation at the moment AND they don't want to get into a P****g match with anyone. 

 

The first step would doubtless be the lawyers reviewing the judge's ruling to decide whether they have good grounds for an appeal, versus deciding to comply with the rules he put in place. There's no reason to issue immediate pronouncements on a Friday evening until they have a plan of action -- even if that involves getting in a p***ing match with the judge. 😉 

[TLCOhio]

54 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, you mentioned the CDC being fairly silent.......they probably don't think saying anything would  help the situation at the moment AND they don't want to get into a P****g match with anyone. 

 

 

There is an old saying about "Silence being golden!"  Is that correct in this case?  Maybe?  Maybe not by the CDC? Clearly, the CDC is facing some interesting legal challenges and questions.  What do they do next?  Agree with Lois' wise comment and speculation for the CDC not wanting to get into a media "War of Words" when the legal case is still very active and in-play before this Federal Judge.  

 

From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “Federal judge strikes down CDC cruise rules” with these highlights that be of added interest: “Florida argued in the suit that the CDC overstepped its authority with the conditional sailing order; in the decision, Merryday found that the state was 'highly likely to prevail on the merits' of that claim.  'Viewed with the benefit of history, CDC’s assertion of a formidable and unprecedented authority warrants a healthy dose of skepticism,' he wrote.  He pointed out that the CDC had never before prohibited an industry-wide fleet from operating or imposed restrictions that 'halted for an extended time an entire multi-billion dollar industry nationwide.'  'In a word, never has CDC implemented measures as extensive, disabling, and exclusive as those under review in this action,' Merryday wrote.  It wasn’t clear if cruise operators would change anything about their plans after July 18 given the ruling. Roger Frizzell, spokesman for industry giant Carnival Corp., said the company was in the process of reviewing the decision.”

 

My guessing that ALL of this adds to the uncertainty giving many more reasons to "Wait & See" before being in a rush to sail right now.  With Silversea starting its Silver Moon sailing yesterday from Athens, Greece, and only having 201 passengers on-board this ship, it says, BOTH, that there is interest to sail again, but also many are wanting to know more as to how all of this re-starting works.  Right or wrong?

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/06/18/florida-cruise-lawsuit-desantis/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 68,519 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[netpj]

23 hours ago, worldtraveller99 said:

I agree with Silver Spectre re vaccine nationalism. If you have had 2 Astra-Zeneca doses (like us and the majority of the UK) how could you then have 2 Pfizer doses too, just to go to a Broadway show? It doesn't work like that!

Totally agree.  For any Canadians out there, we received 2 doses of AZ, the second being on the morning of the latest NACI pronouncement that people should not get a second dose but move to mix and match.  We have written to our Member of Parliament to voice our concerns about the continual muddled and unhelpful "advice" from NACI.  We are also really concerned that cruise lines will start implementing only an FDA approved vaccine policy.  Prior to our final payment date for our next cruises on Silversea, we want assurances that we will be both permitted into the US and  permitted to sail with no additional restrictions beyond what is in force at the time.  At least we are not due to sail until early next year but who knows with final payment due late summer.  To any other Canadians, please consider writing to your MP.  We don't want to feel that we are expendeble!

[Silver Spectre]

22 hours ago, chrism23 said:

  The US is one of the top 3 countries in the world in terms of the % of people vaccinated.  I forget where Israel is etc.  But, that number is around 140,000,000 who have received at least one dose.  I must point out that there are 160,000,000 who haven't.  I find little solace in that number.  I am such a downer, hell I hate to read my own stuff.  But our dance with COVID is far from being over. ( BTW and this just came over my news feed that issues are arising with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine that you might want to check out) So stiff upper lip and all that stuff.  I am getting on a SS ship in 2022 come hell or high water.  

 

 

Sorry Chris, according to the latest figures up to yesterday the US is actually 6th!

[Silver Spectre]

8 minutes ago, netpj said:

Totally agree.  For any Canadians out there, we received 2 doses of AZ, the second being on the morning of the latest NACI pronouncement that people should not get a second dose but move to mix and match.  We have written to our Member of Parliament to voice our concerns about the continual muddled and unhelpful "advice" from NACI.  We are also really concerned that cruise lines will start implementing only an FDA approved vaccine policy.  Prior to our final payment date for our next cruises on Silversea, we want assurances that we will be both permitted into the US and  permitted to sail with no additional restrictions beyond what is in force at the time.  At least we are not due to sail until early next year but who knows with final payment due late summer.  To any other Canadians, please consider writing to your MP.  We don't want to feel that we are expendeble!

You are quite correct and that is a huge issue. For our American medical experts out there what has happened to the US citizens who were in the AZ trial and who have probably had both doses. 

[worldtraveller99]

I think the proof of the pudding is in the eating - if those of us (including Angela Merkel) with AZ jabs don't get sick, then saying we are more a danger than Pfizer people is ridiculous.  We are not aiming to holiday outside the UK until 2022, but I hope all this posturing stops by then.

 

[chrism23]

This is slightly off topic but yesterday I had a glimpse of the future.  I am a huge soccer fan and was watching Hungary play France from Budapest.  I had been watching a slew of games with limited crowds, (15,000 in a stadium that seats 80,000) and limited atmosphere.  I look at the screen and the stadium is filled.  There are 65,000 people, I didn't see one mask, going absolutely crazy, yelling, screaming, singing songs, a typical soccer game.  I say to myself, this is not going to end well, a super spreader event if I have ever seen one.  A few seconds later the announcer comes on and says, to get into the stadium you had to have a wrist band that proves you have been vaccinated.  Hungary as a population of 10 million and more than 50% have been vaccinated.  Go Hungary.  

 

Now, regardless of the well thought out, well intentioned arguments above, I start at the beginning-the moral of this story for me, regardless of the politics of immunity passports etc, is that if you provide people strong incentives to get vaxed, like getting tickets to a soccer game in a soccer mad world,  they just might get vaxed.  Not said is the reverse, if you provide a strong enough disincentive they might also get vaxed.  In short, non vaxed people are subject to a hard quarantine, confined to their apartments, limited to doctor's visits and food shopping.  This is a still a damn plague, with nasty variants lurking in the shadows and here I don't give a damn about civil liberties, draconian measures are called for.  (people who  know me would fall over if they read that, I am about as far left as you can get).  We have to do everything humanely possible to end this, to put this fire out.  

 

As regard SS and this topic the solution is obvious.  If you are not vaxed, within the requisite time limits, you don't get on the ship.  Period.  No, ifs ands or buts.  Crew and passengers alike.  If you have kids who you don't want to get vaxed, tough, there is next year, or Disney cruises, whatever.  If you are somehow immuno compromised, or don't want to get vaxed for any other reason, tough again.  You wait.  Paying a lot of money to board a ship is not an egalitarian, unalienable right.  (I am immuno compromised and got vaxed).  Then we can all be like screaming, singing Hungarian soccer fans.  

 

(My bad in saying the US were in the top 3 in vaxed people. thanks to Silver Spectre to pointing it out, we are #6-we are slipping a bit)

[TLCOhio]

Many good and interesting comments and follow-ups.  Yes, the "politics" and nationalism about Astra-Zeneca and other less-established vaccines poses significant questions around the world.  

 

From South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale and MSN News this morning, they had this headline: “COVID will lurk on every cruise ship. The question is how much.” with these highlights: “Recent reports of COVID-19 infections aboard cruise ships — along with simple math — suggest that it will be nearly impossible for any cruise line to return to the seas without the coronavirus lurking.  All vaccines are less than 100% effective, so chances are strong that at least some passengers will be infected among the thousands aboard even “fully vaccinated” voyages.   Chances of more severe outbreaks are even greater in light of a court ruling Friday to stop cruise lines from requiring vaccinations.   Cruise lines faced with infections will have to perform a delicate balancing act of preventing the virus’ spread while minimizing inconveniences to uninfected passengers and crew members.Failure to succeed on either front could spark a public relations nightmare  and diminish consumers’ confidence in cruise lines’ abilities to protect passengers, experts say.”

 

Here is more:  "Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University, says the industry should expect infections to occur on every ship.  'There will be fewer on some, and greater numbers on others,' he said. 'It’s really going to be a game of Russian Roulette. Variables will include: How big is the ship? How many are vaccinated? How old is the ship? What kind of ventilation system do they have and how aggressive will crew members be in making sure people are wearing masks, distancing, etc?' Cruise lines have a month to decide how or whether to continue to follow the CDC’s blueprint. Reached on Friday, a Carnival Corp. spokesman said the company was reviewing the court ruling. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line spokespersons did not respond to requests for comment."

 

A wide variety of viewpoints and background are offered in this lengthy article, including from various travel agents as to how their clients are viewing this upcoming and confusing period of re-opening.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/covid-will-lurk-on-every-cruise-ship-the-question-is-how-much/ar-AALeVAs?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 51,395 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

[worldtraveller99]

I sincerely trust that the AZ vaccine is in the CDC rules, if not the NYC Broadway rules? Because (hopefully) our 2022 Alaska cruise leaves from Vancouver, so a third of the ship (already booked) will be Canadians and British with double AZ jabs. Does anyone know this?

[TLCOhio]

1 minute ago, worldtraveller99 said:

I sincerely trust that the AZ vaccine is in the CDC rules, if not the NYC Broadway rules? Because (hopefully) our 2022 Alaska cruise leaves from Vancouver, so a third of the ship (already booked) will be Canadians and British with double AZ jabs. Does anyone know this?

 

In New York City, that Broadway show has reversed its policy and does not disallow the AZ vaccine.  With the Florida Federal Judge ruling this past week, my prediction is that the CDC will be "loosening up" with certain of their policies and rules.  

 

Lots of "EVOLVING" and fine-tuning will be happening in the coming months.  There will be questions, changes, ups-and-downs, etc., but the general direction and re-opening are happening.  Good news??!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 48,372 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[worldtraveller99]

Thank you Terry.

[TLCOhio]

18 hours ago, worldtraveller99 said:

Thank you Terry.

 

Appreciate the continued great comments and follow-ups.  Keep up the excellent sharing.  Much happening these days.

 

From the New York Times Travel Section late last week, they had this headline: “Traveling This Summer? Here’s What You Should Know About the Delta Variant." with this sub-headline: "It’s the most contagious form of the coronavirus so far.”

 

Here are some of their story highlights: “With vaccinations on the rise and mortality rates related to Covid-19 going down in Europe and other parts of the world, many people are making plans to travel this summer and beyond. But experts say the quickly circulating Delta variant is a new concern for travelers, particularly those who are unvaccinated.  The European Union said on June 18 that the United States would be added to its 'safe list' of countries, a decision that should allow even unvaccinated visitors from the U.S. (who can provide proof of a negative coronavirus test) to enter its 27 member states for nonessential travel. These countries, however, can impose their own restrictions and requirements for entry.   The E.U. decision comes the same week that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention elevated the Delta variant of the coronavirus to a 'variant of concern' as it appears to spread more quickly and may affect people more severely than earlier forms of the virus.  The Delta variant currently makes up between six and 10 percent of cases in the United States, said Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, adding that it will probably will be the dominant strain in the United States by August.   If you are fully vaccinated, particularly with a two-dose vaccine, “don’t worry about the Delta variant,” Dr. Jha said.”

 

Here is more from their reporting: "Unequal access to the vaccine across the world has meant that poorer countries are less adequately protected, with cases continuing to rise in parts of South America, Southeast Asia and Africa. According to the W.H.O., 75 percent of vaccine doses have gone to just 10 nations.  Dr. Jha said it’s important to look at not just vaccination rates for the country, but also the vaccine that is being used there. Brazil, Turkey and other countries are relying on one or both of the two main vaccines manufactured by Chinese companies to inoculate their citizens.  'We don’t have data that the Chinese vaccines, for instance, are quite as good in general, and particularly around the Delta variant,' Dr. Jha said."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/18/travel/delta-variant-summer-travel.html?action=click&module=Top Stories&pgtype=Homepage

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 47,979 views.    

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