The RTF-EXPAR test is reportedly as sensitive at detecting coronavirus as PCR tests. There are hopes the tests could be used at international airports and revolutionize testing for travelers, including Globe Aware volunteers.

10 minute Covid test hoped breakthrough for travel sector

Emily Hawkins

Researchers from the University of Birmingham say they have developed a quick Covid test that is just as sensitive as a PCR test. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
University of Birmingham researchers have developed a new Covid test that provides results in less than 10 minutes.

The RTF-EXPAR test is reportedly as sensitive at detecting coronavirus as PCR tests, according to the scientists behind the breakthrough.

The TSA extended a federal requirement that travelers wear masks on commercial flights, buses and trains through Jan. 18. The measure is the latest in decreasing the spread of Covid-19 and the delta variant.

TSA extends mask mandate for transportation through Jan. 18

AUG 17 2021
Leslie Josephs

KEY POINTS

• The TSA said it is extending the mandate to curb the spread of Covid-19 through Jan. 18.
• The mandate was set to expire on Sept. 14 and officials had extended it in the spring.

The Transportation Security Administration on Tuesday extended a federal requirement that travelers wear masks on commercial flights, buses and trains through Jan. 18.

The measure is the latest sign of persistent concerns within the federal government about the spread of Covid-19. Airlines including Southwest and Spirit have warned about a drop in bookings and higher cancellations, trends they blamed on the fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus.

Americans who are set to travel in the coming months but don’t have a renewed passport yet may be out of luck. Globe Aware volunteers should check their passport expiration date before booking their travel dates.

“I am freaking out”: Passport backlog frustrates travelers

BY MEG OLIVER
CBS NEWS

Scammers forced the State Department to temporarily shut down its online bookings for urgent appointments for passports, adding to the frustration of many travelers who are already experiencing long wait times amid a huge backlog in passport applications.

As the world reopens, not all countries are recognizing a mix of vaccines from different makers as fully vaccinated. Globe Aware volunteers can check to see which countries they need to watch out for when it comes to regulations.

Thinking of travelling? Here’s where mixed COVID-19 vaccines aren’t accepted

By Eric Stober
Global News

Canada’s health authority has given the green light to mix-and-match COVID-19 vaccines, but as the world reopens, not all are recognizing a mix of vaccines from different makers as fully vaccinated, despite millions of Canadians doing so.

Here’s who has announced so far they do not accept mixed vaccines.

Globe Aware has been rapidly adapting to cope with the demands of the new Covid era. We’re sharing this Covid Travel Checklist with our volunteers, so they can be prepared for travel too.

The Covid travel checklist: What to know before you go

Maureen O’Hare,
CNN 

(CNN) — While our suitcases have been gathering dust over the past 16 months, the travel industry has been rapidly adapting to cope with the demands of the new Covid era.

This means that if you’re making your first flight for a while, things may be very different from what you’ve previously been used to.

It’s no longer just about packing your power adapter and making sure your shampoo is in little bottles. We’ve put together this Covid Travel Checklist with everything you now need to think about before you set off.

Globe Aware offers flexibility when it comes to protecting yourself and others. In case your volunteer vacation destination is impacted by the Delta variant, Globe Aware will work with you and your family to reschedule your dates and even location.

Is It Safe to Plan International Fall Travel Right Now?

We speak to experts about how the Delta variant could impact upcoming travel plans.

BY SHANNON MCMAHON
July 26, 2021
Condé Nast Traveler

This year, as much of the United States became vaccinated against the coronavirus and other nations mounted their own vaccine rollouts, experts estimated that international travel would rebound by autumn—if enough of the world became inoculated. But with lagging vaccinations and cases rising again globally thanks to the highly contagious Delta variant, what does that mean for fall travel?

Vietnam Airlines is resuming more international routes as the airline starts preparing for the reopening of the country. Globe Aware is optimistic our volunteers will be ably to visit the country safely in 2022.

Vietnam Airlines Brings Back More International Routes In Preparation For Reopening

July 13, 2021
Jay Singh
Simple Flying

Vietnam Airlines is resuming more international routes as the airline starts preparing for the reopening of the country. While the airline has been operating some international flying over the last year, the carrier is now bringing back more regular flights to points in Australia, Europe, and Asia starting this month.

The country has decided to resume international flights while allowing domestic services to operate at full throttle, following a drop in Covid-19 cases in the country. Globe Aware volunteers interested in Nepal, can visit our site to learn more about our brand new volunteer vacation in Chitwan.

Nepal cautiously reopens international flights

The Cabinet has also permitted regular domestic flights by following health safety protocols.

Sangam Prasain
July 8, 2021
Kathmandu Post

Nepal cautiously reopens international flights while allowing domestic services to operate at full throttle, following a drop in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Tourism Joint Secretary Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane told the Post that a Cabinet meeting on Monday had authorised the ministry to resume passenger flights on international sectors based on the country’s needs and travel demand.

Recently Globe Aware took an online survey, and the most requested travel destination was Kenya! Here are just 10 of the many reasons why we agree, and visit our website to learn more about the impact we make in this beautiful country! 

Longing for a once in a lifetime getaway? 10 reasons why Kenya should be at the top of your post-pandemic travel bucket list!

It’s the fantasy that’s been keeping us all going through a year of lockdowns and travel restrictions; the dream holiday!

So what’s your ideal escape?

For some it’s a white powder beach and crystal clear waters, for others it’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Or how about the chance to see nature’s most incredible creatures up close and personal or the adrenaline-filled fun of sporting adventures?

Whatever your dream holiday, you can do it all in Kenya!

This is the summer of the vaccinated travel has in the US, and it’s wreaking havoc on some of the nation’s airlines and airports. Here are some ways for our Globe Aware volunteers to avoid stress that comes with it.

I volunteer at a major airport and deal with hundreds of unprepared travelers. Here are 12 ways to avoid lines and have a stress-free summer travel experience

Thomas Pallini
Jul 1, 2021

• Americans have been taking to the skies this summer more than any season since the start of the pandemic.
• Airlines and airports are still adjusting to increased passenger levels, causing long lines and delays.
• These travel tips will help flyers avoid lines and move through the airport easier.

The summer of vaccinated travel has arrived in the US, and it’s wreaking havoc on some of the nation’s airlines and airports.

AAA estimates that 47.7 million Americans will travel over Fourth of July weekend and air travel will likely see a large share of that number. Every day since June 22 has seen more than 1.8 million travelers depart from US airports and four days in that period have seen more than two million.