In the past few weeks, two of our family members contracted COVID-19 and were sick for a few days with lingering symptoms. On each occasion, we were out with them for dinner the night before they came down with symptoms.
Overall, we have taken a laissez-faire attitude that Covid-19 is over, and travel worldwide is back to normal. But it isn’t over. The CDC has reported that 17.6% of tests have been positive over the past week. Still, this number doesn’t represent the general population, which only gets tested when they have cold/flu-like symptoms.
Remember that many people now don’t take a test when they have cold or flu symptoms. They let the symptoms run their course, perhaps infecting others in the process. Subsequently, statistics are highly skewed at this time. There’s no way to determine the actual number of cases in the US and worldwide.
However, travelers are booking trips to countries worldwide, many of whom have canceled trips during the pandemic and are anxious to get back on the road.
Travel and Leisure Magazine has a good article about current COVID-19 travel rules, which can be found here. It’s a good article to review if you plan to travel internationally.
As of August 2024, COVID-19 remains a significant concern globally, although the situation has evolved considerably since the height of the pandemic. Several key developments are shaping the current landscape:
- Global Trends: COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to be reported worldwide but at a much lower rate compared to previous years. The World Health Organization (WHO) monitors the virus through various surveillance methods, including wastewater analysis, which has become essential in tracking community transmission. Some countries are still experiencing fluctuations in case numbers, often linked to the emergence of new variants of interest.
- Variants and Vaccination: New virus variants, such as the JN.1 variant, are being monitored closely, though they have not led to significant surges in most regions. Vaccination efforts continue, with many countries now offering booster doses tailored to these newer variants. In Australia, for example, the government recently updated its COVID-19 vaccine rollout, emphasizing the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Regional Updates: The number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the first week of August was relatively low, with few deaths reported. Testing continues, though most people now use Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) rather than PCR tests. Authorities encourage the public to maintain their vaccination schedules and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms.
While COVID-19 is no longer the global emergency it once was, it requires vigilance, particularly in monitoring new variants and ensuring widespread vaccination coverage.
In the future, as we hopefully continue to travel, we’ll make a concerted effort to review guidelines and requirements for each country to ensure we are following current, up-to-date restrictions, if any.
This morning, we ate an early breakfast at Original Pancake House with Greg, Heather, Maisie, MIles, and Madighan. Seeing them all after this long week of staying in was delightful. When we left, I struggled to catch my breath after walking from the table to the curb, where Tom picked me up. Once back in our hotel room, I had to lie briefly to recover. But, now situated on the sofa, I am feeling much better.
The remainder of the day will be easy. Yesterday, we made dinner with leftovers for two more nights to be reheated. Today, I’ll make a big salad to accompany the main course.
Be well
Photo from ten years ago today, August 11, 2014:
