The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) recent travel survey continues to show recovery in travel. More than a third (38 percent) of Active Members have seen an increase in bookings in the last 60 days, and trends continue to show increased recovery in 2021. Read More.
Coronavirus Cases Fell by 15% Last Week
New coronavirus infections fell by almost 15% over the past week, continuing a steady downward trend. Read More.
Scientists See Signs of Lasting Immunity - Even After Mild Infections
Scientists who have been monitoring immune responses to the virus are now starting to see encouraging signs of strong, lasting immunity, even in people who developed only mild symptoms of Covid-19, a flurry of new studies suggests. Read More.
San Francisco Airport First in U.S. With Rapid Testing For Employees
San Francisco International Airport has become the first airport in the United States to begin a rapid COVID-19 testing program for employees. The program was deployed late last month for airline flight crews and can return test results in less than an hour, according to airport director Ivar Satero.Read More.
COVID-19 Cases in England Decline for the First Time Since July
About 6,115 new people tested positive for COVID-19 in England in the week to Aug 19, down 8 per cent on the week before and showing the first decrease since the start of July, figures from the government's test and trace operation showed on Thursday (Aug 27). Read More.
States Requiring Travelers to Self-Quarantine or Provide Negative Test Results
Here is an update on the states that are discouraging interstate travel by requiring or recommending that visitors and residents returning from other states quarantine. And some states are requiring a recent, negative COVID-19 test in lieu of a blanket quarantine policy. Read More.
Face Masks a Top Priority for Traveler Comfort at Hotels
The three most frequently cited factors that would improve guests' comfort levels either "a lot" or "some" are a requirement that hotel staff wear face masks (87 percent of respondents), suspension of daily housekeeping of rooms (86 percent) and a requirement that guests wear face masks (85 percent), according to AHLA. Read More.
CDC Proposes Guidelines for Distributing Coronavirus Vaccine in the U.S.
The guidelines, unveiled during a presentation at the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting, would prioritize health-care workers, essential personnel and vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Read More.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Infection The World Health Organization recommends the following as precautions to reduce your risk of infection:
Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue
Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals
The consumption of raw or under-cooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.