As an apparent second-wave of coronavirus cases emerged, many countries prepared to enact new lock-downs. The resurgence of these lock-downs, such as those in France, have resulted in a mass exodus. Many residents are racing to flee before the new lock-downs were implemented.

In other countries, where cases of the coronavirus are lower, an increasing amount of travel bubbles are emerging.  Also known as corona corridors, these are exclusive partnerships between friendly or neighboring countries. They allow for tourism industries, and in-person business meetings, to continue even in the face of COVID-19. 

Most recently, Japan and South Korea reached an agreement allowing short-term visitors. Individuals completing business trips, for example, are allowed to enter and leave each respective country without undergoing the mandatory two-week quarantine period.

However, in the case of long-term visitors, the quarantine is still required. Japan also has previous travel agreements with nine other Asian counties.

In Hawaii, the island state recently struck a deal with United Airlines removing the two-week quarantine requirement for tourists visiting on holiday. This waiver is only for airline passengers who passed rapid COVID-19 tests, provided by the airline, at their departure airport. The airline plans to expand the testing for passenger to other destinations, including Europe, very soon.

Other nations, such as Singapore, have spread their reach to countries such as New Zealand.

It is currently uncertain how the recent spike in global cases, especially those in parts of Europe, will affect the continuation of these travel bubble policies.

However, their existence and increasing popularity provide hope to many. This includes both those who are itching to explore new places, as well as the severely impacted travel industry looking to restore lost revenue.

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The WTTC- World travel and tourism council recently published the appalling stats regarding the probable loss of nearly 174 million tourism jobs by the end of 2020. This due to COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting travel limitations imposed.

The possible efforts to curtail and restrict the virus have impacted catastrophically on the tourism sector. According to current and present-day economic data of WTTC, the travel restrictions worldwide would likely have a huge impact resulting in loss of 174 million jobs.

This shocking number is less than the previously stated estimates of 197 million jobs to be lost.

The tourism experts are of the belief that this improvement is the result of return of domestic travel in many areas. Some countries have also restored international travel and tourism.

The data states that the relaxation of domestic and international travel will drastically reduce the loss of jobs. 31 million jobs could be saved if the travel is brought back to normal domestically.  

Mexico is on the top of the list of the countries affected considering that 15.5 percent of its GDP is generated from travel and tourism.

The United States has already faced the loss of 18.6 million jobs.  $4.7 trillion from travel and tourism will not be contributed to the GDP, and will result in alarming 53 percent loss in 2020 as compared to 2019.

The devastating situation demanded a solution. Many other countries like New Zealand, Australia, UK, Lithuania and Estonia have all acted on the situation lifting the travel restrictions. They have reopened their borders for international travelers and tourists from some selected nations.

This large impact to the tourism sector can be saved by the WTTC recovery plan. The 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan outlines the major, prime initiatives that will aid in strong and established international coordination for constructive operations and to the restoration of travel.

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On October 10 in Milan, in front of the Cathedral, 1300 show business workers all dressed in black took to the square and occupied it with 500 empty trunks. These trunks called Flight cases generally contain all the tools necessary for setting up a show, electrical cables, microphones, amplifiers …

As new Covid-19 lockdowns force the closure of theaters and and other cultural locations, protests erupt in Italy.

Their protest called “Bauli in Piazza”, joins the American movement known as “We make events”, created to support workers in the music field. The protests highlight the profession as being the last to reopen after the spring lockdown and the first to close with the new decree.

There was silence in the square, interspersed with drumming on trunks and applause.

Due to Covid-19 in March, the whole of Italy stopped. Everything closed – from the small shop under the house, to non-essential factories, cinemas and theaters. As restrictions slowly lifted, the places of culture were the last to reopen.

Savoring the luxury of dreaming in a theater stalls or in a cinema, or walking admiring works of art, filled the hearts of citizens with joy.

Italy is a people of culture who love opera. A people who on Christmas does not miss the latest releases at the cinema. And, as a cutlure, Italy boasts a large number of exhibitions and museums.

Entertainment workers have worked hard to ensure safety and to restore the people’s confidence to buy tickets and attend small concerts or plays.

The number of infections that occurred in cinemas and theaters is almost zero, but the government decided that they would be the first to close their doors.

The hustle and bustle of workers and artists was immediately felt with appeals and petitions.

The state is not providing an financial help to artists, theater and cinema directors, the staff behind concerts, film crews, costume designers, sound engineers, screenwriters and others in the industry. All of which is very disheartening.

In a world that, now more than ever, needs to dream and to escape from everyday stress, culture must not be allowed to die.

More than ten thousand employees signed a letter addressed to the Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and the Minister of Cultural Heritage citing the importance of these places. Stressing how they are vital to keeping the spirit of citizens alive, and pointing out the hard work done to ensure distances and safety.

With the new decree of November 3, museums will also close their doors, leaving an unbridgeable void.

People will find themselves more satiated with all the supermarkets always open, however with closed museums, theaters, cinemas, show halls and schools, the heart and soul always more empty.

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As a teacher who has personally been in all three of those situations, I want to share my experiences and give an insider look on the pros and cons of each potential choice.

In-Person Education

First of all, we have the tried and true method of in-person teaching, which also may perhaps be the most controversial method in our current situation.

Many may try to argue against this, proclaiming that is the least safe of all these options due to the difficulties in enforcing social distancing, sanitizing, and mask wearing with children.

However, when effective precautions are consistently enforced and positively modeled by all staff in the building, I have found in-person teaching to still be the most effective and rewarding method for properly teaching my students.

Fully Virtual School

On the flip slide, we have schools that go fully virtual for the sake of ensuring that everyone (teachers and students alike) can in theory be safely quarantined at home whilst proceeding with daily learning.

While the idea of teaching or learning from home in your pajamas all day may sound quite alluring at first, the reality is that this is perhaps the most difficult method for teaching during the pandemic.

This is due to the many variables that need to be accounted for. Things such as home environments, parent work schedules, reliable Wi-Fi access, and the potential for students to outright stop participating if there is no enforcement from their parents. These can all create challenges to learning in a virtual environment.

Combination of Both

Finally, we have a combination of the two models mentioned above. My definition of “combination” in this case being several students learning in person while others choose virtual online education.

The teacher is now faced with the dilemma of trying to ensure the students learning from home are receiving the same education as the students in the classroom. This goal is made all the more difficult by the fact that all lessons do not translate to virtual learning as easily as others.

While providing families with a choice is wonderful, the added workload of trying to equally accommodate two groups of students can at times be a struggle. Regardless of what model your local school follows or what your personal opinions may be on all of this, I am constantly reminded of the famous words of John Lydgate: “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

The post Teacher Shares Perspective on Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

New York City was one of those areas hardest hit by the pandemic – resulting in perhaps the strictest of lock-downs. In recent months, as travel restrictions have eased, many are heading back to the ‘Big Apple’ in search of remarkable experiences.

With so many landmarks to visit, New York City, is atop the list for travelers ready to venture back out from cities across the world.

To keep everyone safe, the use of masks, soaps and anti-bacterial products are essential for tourists carry. This will enable them to continue enjoying the pleasure of travelling while minimizing the risk of being exposed to the covid-19 virus.

In a recently published study, it was proven that air travel has an extremely low risk of contracting the virus.

Emblematic buildings, statues, museums, theaters and more

New York, over the years, has gained the title of the city that never sleeps. This is due to the unlimited and remarkable attractions that you can find in this shinny and cosmopolitan capital of the world.

For countless tourists, visiting the One World Trade Center of New York, is unparalleled. By being there, people can enjoy the most famous and unique view of the whole city. This of course is just one of the many sights that the city offers visitors.

We all know that the world has been changed due to COVID-19. The sanitary measures imposed by the governments of the world have made us live more and more limited. Nevertheless, by following the appropriate sanitary conditions, we can continue to enjoy all the attractions that the world has for us. Let’s not forget to carry our masks, soaps and a lot of desire to enjoy. 

The post New York – Still a Top Travel Destination despite COVID-19 appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

According to data published in Nature, for the first time in almost decades, a positive change in the environmental conditions has been observed. 

The conditions of lock-down caused by COVID-19, and the prevailing work-from-home situation appears to be driving the drop in CO2 emissions. Transport-led emissions lead the way with a recent report suggesting that transport emissions have reduced by 40% worldwide.

The power and industry sectors have seen the second largest reduction in carbon emissions, behind transportation, with a decline reported as 22% and 17%, respectively.

The reduction may seem to be a good sign. Unfortunately, this effect will undoubtedly be temporary. As people return to work after completion of lock-downs, there will likely be a corresponding increase in the related CO2 emissions.

If the policymakers in corporations continue to find ways for their employees to be effective while working remotely, this could become a permanent change. The key is to see this period of lockdown as a preparatory phase to ensure that this new-found lifestyle becomes the ‘new normal’ and sustains for the years to come.

It will help the employees save on transportation costs and the companies on the travel allowances, but it will also help keep the CO2 levels reduced. This policy change may be just what is required for making Earth a sustainable place to be.

Scientists collected real-time data by compiling the daily flight statistics and monthly production data of about 42 countries. It also includes the hourly production records of electricity of some 31 countries, and others.

All these datasets have painted a picture that tells how important it is to curtail the actions that, though contributing to economic development, are going unjustifiably against the well-being or good health of the planet. 

As the pandemic lock-down has started to lift, there has been a corresponding rebound in the levels of CO2 emissions. Perhaps this pandemic, and the shutdown, have shown us a way to reduce CO2 emissions permanently – while still being productive.

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According to the study only 0.003% of particles from a masked mannequin, equipped with an integrated aerosol generator to simulate breathing and coughing, actually made their way into another seat’s breathing zone. This is due in part to the advanced HEPA filtration used by major airlines like United Airlines.

The study indicates that, even when the plane is full, risk is limited. Continuing the use of masks helps to minimize exposure when someone coughs. According to a statement from United, “Due to the unique qualities of the air filtration system, this makes the cabin of a plane one of the safest indoor environments in the world!”

“This most comprehensive study of its kind, revealed that fast onboard air recirculation, downward designed air ventilation and efficient HEPA filters make the chances of COVID-exposure almost non-existent on our flights, regardless of where you are seated.”

How were the tests performed?

The more than 300 tests were performed over a six-month period. They are a collection of 38 flight hours and another 45 hours on the ground. During the tests, particles were released across the entire cabin by section which contained a total of 42 sensors spread across the seats.

Additional sensors were placed in high traffic areas like the airplane galleys and jetbridge used for boarding. The sensors were used to represent passengers seated near the mannequin aerosol generator.

As a result of the advanced filtration and pressured airflow, approximately 99.99% of particles were filtered out of the cabin within six minutes. In contrast, a similar study showed that, in a house, it takes 90 minutes home’s filtration to accomplish the same task.

During an interview on Good Morning America, United Airlines Chief Communications Officer and SVP Josh Earnest said, “If you are inclined to travel or are thinking about air travel, there is reason today based on this independent study, that you can feel confident and travel safely on an airplane.”

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The CJ Cup event is normally part of the PGA Tour schedule known as the Asian Swing include the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges in South Korea, the Zozo Championship in Japan, and the WGC-HSBC Champions in China.

The CJ Cup and the Zozo Championship have been moved to Las Vegas and Sherman Oaks California, respectively, Due to COVID-19. The WGC-HBC Champions tournament has been canceled for the 2021 season – which the PGA Tour is already playing.

Johnson is currently ranked as the No. 1 player in the world by the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) followed by Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas. Johnson said he hopes to return soon as the reschedule Masters tournament is coming up in November.

“Obviously, I am very disappointed,” Johnson said in the PGA statement. “I was really looking forward to competing this week, but will do everything I can to return as quickly as possible. I have already had a few calls with the Tour’s medical team and appreciate all the support and guidance they have given me.”

Johnson finished out the 2020 season by winning the FedEx Cup and carding a T2 finish at the PGA Championship. He was T6 at the U.S. Open. That run of finishes sealed his OWGR No.1 ranking heading into the CJ Cup.

According to PGA officials, the withdrawal by Johnson opens up the door for a player waiting on the CJ Cup field alternative list. The golfer filling the spot in the select limited field event with no cut will be J.T. Poston who is currently ranked No. 61 by the OWGR. Poston finished third at the Sanderson Farms Championship a few weeks ago but missed the cut at the U.S. Open.

CJ Cup Info

• Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
• Course: Shadow Creek Golf Course
• Par: 72
• Length: 7,527 (PGA)
• When: October 15-18, 2020
• Purse: $9.5 million
• TV Coverage: Golf Channel

CJ Cup Odds

(top-ten +2500 and under before Johnson’s withdrawing)

• Dustin Johnson +1000
• Jon Rahm +1000
• Justin Thomas +1100
• Rory McIlroy +1100
• Xander Schauffele +1400
• Matthew Wolff +2000
• Tyrrell Hatton +2000
• Patrick Cantlay +2000
• Brooks Koepka +2500
• Collin Morikawa +2500
• Tony Finau +2500

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We will take a look at some of the top areas for business opportunity and growth for this year. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, business in the US, and around the world, innovate to find ways to prosper.

In the US, businesses and entrepreneurs have the tools and opportunity to be successful. Their drive, and the resulting multitude of small businesses help to fuel the country’s economy.

Businesses are trying many new and innovative ideas to grow their business and make it reach new heights and levels of success. Here are a few of the most common in 2020.

Top Ideas for Business in the US

The US has adopted many new ideas that are surely contributing to the growth of their businesses. These ideas apply with the US and across the globe.

• E-commerce for small businesses:

With so many people staying home more, ecommerce is perhaps more important than ever for small businesses. Small businesses need to be able to connect with customers in their homes, if they can’t get them to a store.

We’ve seen this to a large extent within the food service industry. Virtually all restaurants have re-tooled their approach by providing to-go ordering, and using 3^rd party delivery services. All of this typically begin done online.

• Consulting company for international trade:

The US has also started a new way of communicating with the people to improve the business market. This comes in the form of international trade and the consultation required for the same.

A number of companies specialize in helping businesses navigate what may be the new waters international trade. The provide experienced individuals who can help them open new markets and spread their business all over the world.

• Proper cybersecurity for all businesses:

Cybercrimes are a growing threat in today’s world. In response, an increasing number of businesses are offering services to combat the threat.

The post Top Business Ideas emerge amid COVID-19 appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

Earlier this week, the airline announced the COVID-19 testing for passengers headed to Hawaii from its hub in San Francisco. This is a pilot program that may be expanded to other locations.

As an island, Hawaii has been virtually shut down to travel. An economically painful thing for an island state that relies so heavily on tourism.

All travelers, including residents returning home, to Hawaii have been subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. This is clearly not attractive to someone headed there for a vacation.

This new COVID-19 testing program from United may be just what the state’s tourism industry needs. If expanded, the program may help eliminate quarantine restrictions to other popular destinations.

But most importantly, the program by the airline will help stop the spread of the corona virus.

“Our new COVID testing program is another way we are helping customers meet their destinations’ entry requirements, safely and conveniently,” said Toby Enqvist, Chief Customer Officer at United.

“We’ll look to quickly expand customer testing to other destinations and U.S. airports later this year to complement our state-of-the-art cleaning and safety measures that include a mandatory mask policy, antimicrobial and electrostatic spraying and our hospital-grade HEPA air filtration systems.”

The testing program will begin on October 15 at the SFO airport. Passengers will have 2 COVID-19 testing options. A rapid test at the airport just before departure, or a mail-in test kit.

In a press release, the airline indicated that passengers will be able to schedule their rapid test online ahead of their travel date. At the airport, they will be tested for COVID-19 and can expect to receive their results in approximately 15 minutes.

For the mail-in option, United will send the passenger an option to receive a test kit 10 days prior to departure. The passenger would use the test kit at home and return it for analysis 72 hours prior to their flight. The kit should be sent via overnight mail, or can be dropped off to a drop box at the SFO airport.

United Airlines was the first carrier to offer this service in the US.

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