The latest WHO epi update has Europe’s new COVID-19 cases declining by 15 percent over the past week, while the largest increase was recorded in the Western Pacific region (up 14 percent with highest numbers from Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines). The global total has now passed 96 million cases and two million deaths. The update includes a section, ‘Special Focus: Update on SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern’, which ‘includes routine assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants to establish if they have altered transmissibility, clinical presentation and severity, or if they may respond differently to countermeasures, including diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines’.
In response to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, from Jan 26 a requirement applicable to all passengers flying into the US has been expanded to include a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure, or documentation of prior infection (by providing both the test results and a written letter from a licensed healthcare provider that attests to the recovery). More details from the CDC.
In related news –
-Two airlines are among the early starters conducting trials of the IATA Travel Pass on selected flights, with the app’s digital passport allowing travellers ‘to verify their pre-travel test or vaccination meets the requirements of the destination’. Read more. Later this week, EU leaders will debate whether to adopt ‘a pan-European mutually recognized vaccination certificate’. Read more
-A Jan 19 STAT News article on SARS-CoV-2 variants, outlines ‘what’s known about the variants, why they’re getting so much attention, and what they mean for the trajectory of the pandemic’.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.