I think this is allowed as it's actual news and not guesswork:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57976015
https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/26/politics/us-covid-travel-restrictions/index.html
I can't help but wonder about the possibility of some tit-for-tat what with rising Delta numbers...but that IS speculation so you didn't hear me say that. It's sad for travelers from the banned countries who were hopeful to visit our country soon.
Heard this earlier, not good news. I don't know for sure the hold-up for allowing vaccinated travelers--have heard plenty of theories, but don't want to speculate ;-)--but I'm of the opinion the US should be reciprocating with other countries.
I agree, Eric. If they are vaccinated they should be welcomed even if they need to have a test as well like we have to do in the UK.
I do not understand why the travel industry -- to include the airlines -- aren't lobbying harder to get the restrictions lifted so that vaccinated people can come to the US. So many want to visit family or just visit, like we want to in Europe.
This makes sense to me. Everything is trending in the wrong direction right now. The US hasn't even established a process or standard for vetting vaccination/ Covid-free status of foreign tourists that I know of, not to mention getting more of our own citizens vaccinated (Canada has already beat us in spite of significant delays). That would be a start.
Evidence is growing stronger, by the day, that with the Delta variant even vaccinated individuals can spread the virus. And the more Delta spreads, the more it mutates. The US position and approach is very easy to understand.
My concern is travel to Italy, US State Department says Italy is in the category of “reconsider travel” because of Covid-19 and terrorist threats.
I’m going to Venice late August and know I have to have a negative COVID-19 test in order to board my Delta flight to return to the states. If I wear a mask while indoors, am I more likely to test negative? Given I am fully vaccinated and will be very careful with washing hands and being masked up.
If you test positive, that means a 10-day quarantine in Venice before being allowed to fly home.
It seems Reconsider travel is stronger advice than exercise caution.
Your thoughts?
Edited: “more likely to test negative”
Judy, I think perhaps you meant to ask if wearing a mask would make you less likely to test positive? I would say the data suggests you wearing a mask would help to test negative.
Generally speaking, I've given up on CDC and State Department Travel levels. I'll look at them to get a broad idea of what's going on. But, for instance, at this moment no one seems to be able to explain why new case numbers have fallen in England right after they lifted their restrictions. Similar decreases also being reported in Spain and Portugal.
And, as others have noted, the US saying other well-vaccinated countries are a concern when our own vaccination and case numbers pale in comparison is a tad hypocritical. There are plenty of ways to see the data and a given country's own view of it's situation and views on foreign tourists to make your own decision on the safety of travel for your own personal situation.
Eric,
Thanks for pointing out my error. Yes, I meant to ask if wearing a mask makes it “more” likely for me to be tested negative? At least, that’s the hope.
