Predictions of when international flights may resume/bans lifted

[drron]

And that was the point... they weren't - still aren't? - sure whether this variant of concern can break through the current vaccines. Once we know, we can go back to the measured approach. But a two-week pause doesn't seem unreasonable?

Sorry it is likely too late. Community transmission obviously occurring in Europe.

After Scotland reported its first six cases of the newly identified COVID-19 Omicron variant, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed concern of a possible spread within the nation's population, the Associated Press reported.

Sturgeon called for increased testing, boosted compliance with the country's existing virus precautions and more opportunities from employers for remote work.

Some of the people affected by the variant had not traveled, seemingly contracting the virus within Scotland's community, the BBC reported.

Portuguese authorities identified 13 cases of Omicron among team members of the Belenenses professional soccer club. Authorities reported that one member recently traveled to South Africa. Its game against Benfica over the weekend had be abandoned at halftime for lack of players.

Scotland Officials Worried Omicron Spreading in Community as 6 Cases Emerge

Countries throughout the world are taking action to prevent a proliferation of the variant as scientists are still working to determine the danger it poses.

www.newsweek.com

 

[jrfsp]

Air travelers to U.S. set to face tougher COVID-19 testing

The U.S. is moving to require that all air travelers entering the country show a negative COVID-19 test performed within one day of departure in response to concerns about a new coronavirus variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said late on Tuesday.

www.reuters.com

Very much unconfirmed at this point, but US travel requirements might be ramped up this week. Would likely further dampen transpac demand.


Singapore also increasing requirements for VTL

MOH | News Highlights

Find speeches, press releases, forum replies and parliamentary Q&A.

www.moh.gov.sg

 

[dajop]

Air travelers to U.S. set to face tougher COVID-19 testing

The U.S. is moving to require that all air travelers entering the country show a negative COVID-19 test performed within one day of departure in response to concerns about a new coronavirus variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said late on Tuesday.

www.reuters.com

Very much unconfirmed at this point, but US travel requirements might be ramped up this week. Would likely further dampen transpac demand.

Wow, testing within 1 day of departure. I guess that's a neat way of killing off travel from impoverished parts of the world where even 3 day testing is already difficult. In other parts of the world, could make it more expensive as quick turnaround tests aren't always cheap, although in Australia, will certainly help Histopath @ SYD build more business ....

 

[Lynda2475]

certainly help Histopath @ SYD build more business

Yep their 3 hour rapid PCR testing at the airport costs half what same day tests done in the burbs do

 

[Rebus]

Currently on Day 2 of my home isolation in Vic, had a knock at the door by 2 Authorised Officers. They wanted to see proof of my Day 1 test and check I was home. I got the impression I won't see or hear from them again.

Please keep us posted. I had been speculating that there may not be much in the way of checking up on those who are doing their 3 day isolation. Looks like I was wrong, either that or you just got unlucky.

Couple of questions from a fellow Victorian, if I may:
1. Did you go to one of the state run test centres or to a private provider?
2. What evidence can you provide to show that you've had a test? (in the event that you are still awaiting the result)

 

[catch22]

Please keep us posted. I had been speculating that there may not be much in the way of checking up on those who are doing their 3 day isolation. Looks like I was wrong, either that or you just got unlucky.

Couple of questions from a fellow Victorian, if I may:
1. Did you go to one of the state run test centres or to a private provider?
2. What evidence can you provide to show that you've had a test? (in the event that you are still awaiting the result)

@Rebus I have done a recent test on return to Victoria:

1. I went to a site which required Testing Registration - you can filter this page for sites that have that option:

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

2. I think possibly due to the registration form, I got a text message within an hour of being tested thanking me for getting tested that day. The result itself was pretty quick - 7am the next day after being tested at 1 pm.

 

[Silvia]

do you need to get tested at a government site or is the rapid PCR testing at the airport fine too?

 

[RAM]

Providing they have vaccinated themselves. Zero sympathy otherwise.

I know for a fact of two families who have 'Guardianship' over their remaining parent (in nursing homes) who denied permission despite themselves being fully vaccinated.

Spoiler: Read more

Suspicion being that they have no interest in the longevity of their respective parents & looking forward to the demise.

This is something that happens too frequently. Elderly couple who lived next door, opened first take-away shop in Kings Cross, worked 7 days/week, 14-16 hours/day to establish themselves in the 1950s. Put all their children through Uni - Doctor, Dentist & Optometrist. When husband in his 70s - the 3 sons declared the house is too big for you & built a fibro add-on (2 rooms with a trapdoor & ladder down to toilet/shower) and forced the couple to move into it while renting out 3 Brm house. Wife looked after sick husband for > 20yrs until he died at 94, taking him up/down ladder for nearly 10 yrs (including 2x/night). She'd walk to one of 3 shopping areas (approx 1.4 to 2.5 kms) every day as 'he likes fresh bread'. She was 12 years younger.

Day after he was buried, the family said she was infirmed & unable to look after herself (got a friendly GP to sign papers) and put her into the cheapest home they could find around 70km away. House put up for sale same day as it had been left to the wife for her to live in until her death... We only found out some weeks later & the family wouldn't reveal where she'd been put.
_______________________________________

Makes flights getting cancelled seem not such an issue by comparison.

 

[N860CR]

Makes flights getting cancelled seem not such an issue by comparison.

No doubt a sad story. I’m just not quite seeing how that’s a valid comparison?

 

[TouchYourFace]

No doubt a sad story. I’m just not quite seeing how that’s a valid comparison?

Right. Cancelled flights are also less painful than having your eyeball carved out with a spoon, but it didn't seem relevant.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You don’t seem to be able to look past the covid hysteria. We’ve had countless “variants” now and none have proven to be any worse. Vaccines have been effective for all of them.

Maybe this will be different? Maybe a whole new virus will pop up? Maybe an asteroid will hit the earth?

We cannot continue with this mass panic every time someone sneezes slightly differently, especially in a country where virtually 100% of the at risk are fully vaccinated.

There's no mass panic. No hysteria. A variant of concern was identified and governments have responded by implementing entry restrictions while they work out the severity and impact.

I'm not aware of the extreme or fatal consequences of introducing an isolation/quarantine requirement.

 

[N860CR]

There's no mass panic. No hysteria. A variant of concern was identified and governments have responded by implementing entry restrictions while they work out the severity and impact.

I'm not aware of the extreme or fatal consequences of introducing an isolation/quarantine requirement.

Sorry, the response has been hysterical. Stockholm syndrome has well and truly set in if you can’t even see how extreme these responses are.

That final statement is absolute proof of just how out of touch with reality you are. I seriously cannot be bothered.

 

[dajop]

That final statement is absolute proof of just how out of touch with reality you are. I seriously cannot be bothered.

You and MEL_Traveller seem to represent the polar opposites in your viewpoint. I think you’re both quite extreme, most of us sit somewhere in between those two points.

Personally I don’t understand this isolate for 3 days thing - it doesn’t seem logical to me at all. Either get a test on Day 1 and isolate until test results received. Or isolate for 3 days and on Day 4 get a test and isolate further until test results received.

 

[N860CR]

You and MEL_Traveller seem to represent the polar opposites in your viewpoint. I think you’re both quite extreme, most of us sit somewhere in between those two points.

Personally I don’t understand this isolate for 3 days thing - it doesn’t seem logical to me at all. Either get a test on Day 1 and isolate until test results received. Or isolate for 3 days and on Day 4 get a test and isolate further until test results received.

I wouldn’t say I’m extreme. Simply practical. We know it’s a fairly mild virus. We know it is most severe in those over 50. That age group is for all practical purposes fully vaccinated. With a vaccine that is more effective than any we’ve seen in a long time. The remainder of the population is extremely highly vaccinated, more than we’ve seen for any virus of this severity.

So the question is, how long do we continue the charade?

 

[jb747]

So the question is, how long do we continue the charade?

Until we get a full depression. And then the only way out of that will be a world war, as they are good for business. Or has that movie already played.

 

[arrow]

I wouldn’t say I’m extreme. Simply practical. We know it’s a fairly mild virus. We know it is most severe in those over 50. That age group is for all practical purposes fully vaccinated. With a vaccine that is more effective than any we’ve seen in a long time. The remainder of the population is extremely highly vaccinated, more than we’ve seen for any virus of this severity.

So the question is, how long do we continue the charade?

Totally agree! We have a vaccine and the whole suppression strategy was designed to buy time for a vaccine (albeit with varying effectiveness based on variants or people’s medical history).

What we have is doomsday warriors who seem addicted to the Covid hysteria baying for stricter restrictions to perpetuate the pandemic… Covid is now endemic

 

[Pom-DownUnder]

So the question is, how long do we continue the charade?

Exactly, that was the deal, shoot me up, get out of my life.

I dont want the Gov knee deep in peoples business.

 

[N860CR]

Totally agree! We have a vaccine and the whole suppression strategy was designed to buy time for a vaccine (albeit with varying effectiveness based on variants or people’s medical history).

What we have is doomsday warriors who seem addicted to the Covid hysteria baying for stricter restrictions to perpetuate the pandemic… Covid is now endemic

The vaccine is very close to 100% effective. Which is pretty amazing when you think about it. No variant has impacted on that.

We seem to have this bizarre view that we need to eradicate this particular virus. Despite the fact that practically nobody is suffering fatal illness unless they’re on the way out anyway.

 

[dairyfloss]

Until we get a full depression. And then the only way out of that will be a world war, as they are good for business. Or has that movie already played.

Not this century, it hasn’t… anyone for a blockbuster?

 

[AIRwin]

I’ve loved flying with Garuda but they are broke and very unlikely to have any international flights going forward

Good news - GA is exploring a commercial partnership with SQ!

https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/es/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2021/October-December/jr0821-211126