Covid-19 Vaccines: What's Coming and When?

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 © Provided by The Wall Street Journal. 

Some 170 Covid-19 vaccines are in development around the world, according to the World Health Organization, each one promising to protect people from the deadly coronavirus and allow them to go back to work and school.

Now, a handful are starting or nearing the final stage of testing. Depending on the results, some companies say their vaccines could be greenlighted for use as soon as this year.

Among the first vaccine candidates to start the final round of testing is one developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca PLC. Also far along are experimental shots from Pfizer Inc. and its partner BioNTech SE, as well as Moderna Inc.

China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., or Sinopharm, has two vaccines in Phase 3. A vaccine from another Chinese company, CanSino Biologics, is expected to begin the pivotal testing soon. But remember, many vaccines that show promise in early testing fail during the final round.

While final-stage testing may stretch for months or even years to continue to track safety and the durability of protection, positive interim results from Phase 3 may be enough for a vaccine to start getting regulatory approval for mass production and distribution in the meantime. Several of the leading vaccine candidates expect interim results this fall.

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is designed to provide protection by delivering into a person’s cells the genetic code for the spikes protruding from the new coronavirus. Then the cells can produce the spike proteins, generating an immune response that would be able to fight off the coronavirus. 

Delivering those genetic instructions is a weakened, harmless version of a virus that causes the common cold in chimpanzees.

On Sept. 8, AstraZeneca said it was suspending trials for its vaccine candidate after a woman in the U.K. experienced illness. The company is investigating what happened, and it isn’t clear how long the pause might last. It affects a trial that began in late August in the U.S. aiming to enroll 30,000 subjects, with funding from federal agencies.

In early testing, the vaccine successfully produced immune responses in humans with only minor side effects. Other late-stage trials were under way with several thousand volunteers in Brazil and South Africa, and are also now paused. A U.K. trial that was briefly suspended has resumed.

The Moderna vaccine also uses a gene-based technology to provoke an immune response, though the code it delivers takes the form of messenger RNA. Those molecules, commonly referred to as mRNA, are the body’s molecular couriers ferrying DNA instructions for making proteins. The vaccine delivers to cells mRNA for making the coronavirus’s spike protein.

Moderna and the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases are testing a two-dose shot. It was the first candidate to enter human testing in the U.S. The vaccine produced an immune response in early-stage testing and was generally well-tolerated, with minor side effects observed in test subjects.

Final-stage testing is under way in the U.S. with a 30,000-person trial that could yield interim results in the fall. An mRNA vaccine has never been approved for any disease.

The vaccine developed by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE also uses mRNA. In a Phase 1 trial, the vaccine generated neutralizing antibodies that promise to fight off the coronavirus and was generally well tolerated. Phase 3 testing began in the U.S. in July, enrolling about 30,000 people, and will expand overseas to include about 120 sites.

The U.S. government has agreed to pay Pfizer and BioNTech nearly $2 billion for 100 million doses. Pfizer aims to seek regulatory approval or an emergency-use authorization in October.

China’s state-owned Sinopharm is developing two vaccines with the government agencies Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and Beijing Institute of Biological Products. Both are based on an older vaccine-making technique.

The group has entered agreements to conduct testing in several countries, including Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The Wuhan Institute has drawn concern over its safety record, including over some of its vaccines for children.

The government says it started what it calls “emergency use” of some of its Covid-19 vaccines on medical workers and border inspection officials in late July. Chinese officials have said they aim to make a vaccine available to the public before the end of the year.

Sinovac, a private Chinese company, began its final-stage trial in July in São Paulo, Brazil, where it is testing its vaccine to take advantage of a higher infection rate. Sinovac has also struck a deal with Indonesian state-owned pharmaceutical holding company PT Bio Farma to make up to 250 million vaccine doses each year for the Indonesian public, according to China’s state news agency.

CanSino’s vaccine is aimed initially at the Chinese military. Chinese company CanSino developed the shot with the military based on a weakened virus behind the common cold. A Phase 1 study was conducted in March in Wuhan, the early epicenter of Covid-19. The shot got government clearance in June for military use for one year.

Johnson & Johnson is developing a vaccine that uses a weakened form of a common-cold virus, known as an adenovirus. A single dose of this vaccine provoked a strong immune response in early animal testing. The company plans to launch by late September a 60,000-person global study, which could be the largest late-stage clinical trial of a Covid-19 vaccine. 

The company will carry out the study at nearly 180 locations in the U.S. and eight other countries where transmission rates are high, including Brazil, Chile and South Africa.

The Russian state-owned Gamaleya Research Institute is developing a vaccine based on a combination of two adenoviruses, which it has already tested on volunteers. Russia effectively approved use of the vaccine in early August, though the shot hadn’t gone through final-stage testing. The Russian government plans for mass vaccination to start in October, and will aim rollout at high-risk groups including health workers.

Novavax’s vaccine consists of two shots given 21 days apart that deliver proteins resembling the spike jutting out from the new coronavirus. Researchers hope the proteins will trigger the production of antibodies and immune cells that can fight off the coronavirus.

The shots also contain a component, called an adjuvant, to boost the immune response. In Phase 1 testing, the vaccine was generally well-tolerated and produced promising numbers of antibodies. Phase 2 testing began in August, and the company has said Phase 3 could start in September.

Corrections & Amplifications China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., or Sinopharm, has two vaccines in Phase 3. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said a vaccine. (Corrected on Sept. 3)

 The coronavirus has forced everyone to put their travel plans on hold, opting for virtual sightseeing and future trip-planning over the real thing. But if you’ve decided you’re ready for your next adventure, these eight countries are welcoming Americans with fairly straightforward entry protocols.

To the jetsetters, family vacationers, romantic retreaters, solo voyagers, spring breakers, and everyone who’s travel plans have been interrupted by COVID-19: We feel your pain. While you can’t take an epic Italy or Greece getaway yet, there are still some great options available to venture beyond American borders. If you need to get your wanderlust fix ASAP (or just want some inspiration for the future), we’ve rounded up a few countries to consider.

These locales offer plenty of outdoor, socially-distanced sightseeing opportunities once you’re there, and some have direct flights available from major US hubs. They can still provide a dreamworthy getaway-albeit a little different than you’re used to. Before going anywhere, we encourage you to read all resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Department of State, and any local guidelines in the location you’re visiting. 

The health and safety of yourself—and others—should be the highest priority. If you’ve decided you’re ready to get back out there, a beach in the Caribbean or a mosque in Turkey is ready to welcome you.

This article originally appeared on Viator. Follow @viatortravel

One of the gems of the Caribbean, Aruba is welcoming US travelers to its pristine beaches. Prior to entry, you’ll be required to complete the online Embarkation / Disembarkation process (providing basic information like DOB and duration of stay, a personal health assessment, uploading a negative PCR COVID-19 test result within most recent 72 hours, and confirming proof of travel insurance).

Once there, you’ll find some expected protocols like wearing a mask in the airport and practicing social distancing. Go to VisitAruba.comfor a comprehensive overview of coronavirus updates and requirements. 

Once in Aruba, you’ll find many restaurants and attractions open with safety guidelines in place. Though you can certainly make the most of your Aruba experience without too much close contact with others. Lounge away on Eagle Beach or Palm Beach by day, then take a sunset sail by night. For the adrenaline-seekers, Aruba is popular for its ATV and off-roading expeditions.

Book Hotels in Aruba 

Prior to departure Bermuda, you’ll need to complete the travel authorization process online, at a $75 cost (for children nine and under this is only $30). You must also prove that you tested negative for COVID-19 “ideally within 72 hours,” according to Bermuda’s Tourism Authority, “but no more than seven days before departure.” 

There is a slight catch, in that you will still be tested upon arrival (even if your pre-departure result is negative), and must quarantine in your accommodation until the results of the test come back—which they say is usually six to eight hours. It’s not ideal, but a small sacrifice to make to ensure the rest of your stay is as smooth as possible. For more information, visit the website for Bermuda’s Travel Authority and check out their FAQs.

When it’s time to enjoy your stay in Bermuda, outdoor activities abound to keep distanced from other tourists, but still experience the island’s natural beauty. Many options revolve around the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, of course, from kayaking to snorkeling to catamaran tours. If it’s tranquility and relaxation you seek, then just hit one of Bermuda’s top beaches with a good book and some sunblock.

Book Hotels in Bermuda

Americans visiting Turkey right now will only be subject to medical screenings upon arrival. Nonstop flights are currently bookable to Istanbul, from New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and San Francisco. Istanbul is known for its many historic areas with incredible mosques and palaces, as well as the remarkable Grand Bazaar market. 

The food scene in Turkey is to die for, from all types of kebabs to regional specialties like kofte (meatballs), manti (Turkish dumpling), pide (Turkish pizza), and karniyarik (stuffed eggplant). To get outside of the city, there’s no better day trip (or multi-day) than to Cappadocia, where you can take part in an iconic hot-air balloon ride over the famous cone-shaped rock formations called “fairy chimneys.”

Book Hotels in Turkey

If you’re near New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles airports, you can currently grab a direct flight to Dubai on Emirates. Just note you’ll have to fill out a few forms with the airline staff. The entry requirements are fairly straightforward in Dubai: Complete the Health Declaration Form, confirm you have medical travel insurance, and prove a negative PCR COVID-19 test within 96 hours of arrival. 

Learn more about Dubai’s coronavirus travel guidelines at VisitDubai.com.

Dubai is home to the famous Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You’ll be comforted knowing the Burj Khalifa team is taking extra safety precautions like temperature checks, contactless payments, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing protocols, and more. A Dubai visit also isn’t complete until you’ve trekked through the desert, either via ATV, Jeep, or even camelback. 

Other great outdoor activities include jetskiing along the city’s waterfront or a speedboat ride along the coastline and surrounding beaches—both of which offer incredible vantage points of Dubai’s opulent architecture on land, like the Burj Al Arab and the mansions and hotels on Palm Jumeirah. And you’ll likely want to partake in the iconic shopping and dining scene of Dubai—just be sure to practice safe distancing measures and wear a mask when appropriate.

Book Hotels in Dubai

A true paradise, the islands of French Polynesia (more than 100 of them!) are open to US visitors as of July 15th. Tahiti and Bora Bora are probably the most popular and most frequented. Tahiti currently has direct flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco (from New York you’d have a stop at LAX first, then on to Tahiti).

The entry guidelines to French Polynesia include proof of negative COVID-19 test within three days prior to international air departure, and a receipt of completed health registration in their electronic system. Once there, you’ll need to self-test four days after arrival. 

You’ll receive a kit with your self-test and instructions at Tahiti Airport. Learn more at TahitiTourisme.com. With Tahiti as your vacation homebase, you can experience world-class diving, snorkeling, and aquatic sightseeing, as well as some great hiking and off-road adventures through the lush forests.

Book Hotels in French Polynesia 

Romance, adventure, entertainment: Saint Lucia offers a bit of everything, with the two peaks of the Pitons providing a scenic backdrop. According to SaintLucia.org, visitors including Americans must have a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test within seven days of travel, and must complete a Pre-Arrival Travel Registration Form which they ask that you print and keep a copy on you. 

Lastly, you’ll need confirmed reservations at a COVID-19 certified accommodation provider for the duration of your stay. Once there, you’ll be in an oasis of beauty and wonder.

You can take a catamaran sightseeing cruise in Marigot Bay, go ziplining through the mango trees at Morne Coubaril Estate, or horseback ride along sandy beaches. If hiking or biking interest you, you can explore trails that wind past waterfalls, rivers, and secret beaches. 

As your homebase, consider the bustling port city of Castries or scenic Soufriere. Direct flights are available right now from many major US hubs including New York, Atlanta, and Miami.

Book Hotels in Saint Lucia 

Maybe that dream European getaway isn’t so far away. Terrific reporting by the Daily Beast explains how Croatia is allowed to bypass the EU’s travel ban (AFAR also has more details), due to the fact that Croatia is not part of the EU’s borderless Schengen Zone.

Entry protocols still exist, of course. Like every country, you’ll need to prove a negative PCR coronavirus test result—within 48 hours of arrival. You’ll also need to complete an online travel form. Lastly, you must show proof of your accommodation booking, which can be a hotel, resort, listed Airbnb, sailboat, campground, etc. You won’t find any direct flights from the US, but plenty of connecting flights exist to popular places like Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, with the stops occurring at major European airports (the EU’s travel ban includes an exception for travelers in transit).

It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to sneak into other European countries once in Croatia—but why would you? Croatia is one of the world’s most stunning seaside destinations. You can sunbathe on the beaches of Hvar, sip wine on a mountainside vineyard in Dalmatia, bike through the historic city streets of Zagreb, or trek through the jaw-dropping Plitvice Lakes National Park. 

And whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or not, you likely know of Dubrovnik and its famous orange-colored rooftops contained within fortress walls, dating back to the 12th century. During your stay, don’t forget to enjoy as much fresh seafood as you can—it may be the best you’ve ever had.

Book Hotels in Croatia 

Cambodia is open to Americans right now, but it’s not the easiest or most practical place on our list. You’ll only find connecting flights—from hubs like Seattle, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York—with the stop at Incheon International Airport in South Korea.

Cambodia requires travelers to pay a $3,000 deposit upfront to cover any potential coronavirus-related cost. But don’t worry, if you test negative for COVID-19 during the mandatory test upon arrival at the airport, you’ll only be on the book for $160 of that. More information can be found at TourismCambodia.com. 

If you’re still determined to check Cambodia off your bucket list in 2020, we can’t blame you. From the iconic temples at Angkor Wat and underrated street food of Siem Reap to the history of Phnom Penh and sacred mountains of Phnom Kulen National Park—Cambodia is a nation ripe with culture and beauty.

Book Hotels in Cambodia

By now, airlines hoped the Covid crisis would be over. Or at least that the world would be a lot further along in the recovery. 

September has arrived, almost nine months since Chinese carriers began facing Covid’s wrath. For the world at large, the crisis is now about seven months old. Conditions, it’s true, are not quite as dire as they were in April. 

Governments have relaxed restrictions on domestic travel and in some cases shorthaul international travel (within Europe most notably). Here and there are mild signs of green shoots: leisure travel in China, intra-state travel in Australia, low-cost travel in Russia, etc. There’s still a decent amount of travel to U.S. and European tourist spots like the Rocky Mountains and the beaches of Greece. Global aircraft utilization is certainly up from its April lows. 

But total demand — everywhere — remains a fraction of what it was. And airlines, even in China where the recovery is most advanced, continue to lose mammoth sums of money.

The virus, meanwhile, continues to spread, even in places where it was once well controlled. India is a current hotspot. Parts of Europe like Spain are seeing a second wave. The U.S., worst affected among all countries, faces new surges in midwestern states. When will the nightmare end? Hopefully with the arrival of vaccines, likely available in mass quantities next spring or summer. 

August finished with a lineup of airline earnings announcements, which of course featured no actual earnings. Just losses. Massive losses. Some like Qantas seemed relatively upbeat, with plenty of cash and ample exposure to areas of the business poised to recovery quicky, most importantly leisure and family-visit shorthaul demand. Exposure to cargo is a huge plus. 

In some cases — Qantas is one — loyalty plans are still contributing positively. China’s major airlines, for their part, all posted heavy Q2 losses. Domestic traffic is recovering but still down sharply from year-ago levels. Domestic capacity, in any case, is returning much faster. And intercontinental flying remains largely dormant.

Even amid the quietude, airlines are busy with post-pandemic strategizing. Southwest, joining the parade of carriers beefing up on leisure exposure, will head to Miami for the first time. Intercontinental giants like United, also chasing leisure, are trying to fit themselves into LCC-like clothing. Virgin Atlantic seeks family-visit traffic in Pakistan. Wizz Air will challenge easyJet at London Gatwick. India’s Vistara began realizing its global ambitions with flights to London Heathrow.

The fourth quarter ahead looks bleak. Much bleaker, sadly, than airlines hoped would be the case by then.

May-July 2020 (3 Months)

• SAS: -$252m; -58%

April-June 2020 (3 Months)

• Air China: -$739m; -34%
• China Eastern: -$682m; -60%
• China Southern: -$488m; -19%
• Hainan Airlines: -$833m; -101%
• Juneyao Airlines: -$26m; -24%
• Spring Airlines: -$27m; -27%
• Latam: -$890m; -122%
• Aeroflot: -$497m/-$541m*; -162%
• AirAsia: -$270m; -1,318%
• AirAsia X: -$71m/-$102m*; -354%
• Norwegian: -$151m (pretax); -370%
• El Al: -$105m; -27%
• Philippine Airlines: -$227m;-186%
• VietJet: -$48m; -59%
• Bangkok Airways: -$94m; -248%

January-June (6 Months)

• Qantas: -$1.6b/-$431m (pretax ex items); -11%
• Air New Zealand: -$347m; -20%
• Kenya Airways: -$135m; -28%

*Net result in USD/*Net result excluding special items/ Operating margin

 Yet another sign of how uncontrolled the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. is came from Australian carrier Qantas. CEO Alan Joyce said the company likely won’t resume its U.S. routes until the end of 2021, and only if an effective vaccine or therapeutic is found to control the spread of the disease.

Qantas shut down its international operation early on, as Australia imposed strict travel restrictions to contain the virus. The carrier operated dozens of repatriation flights to bring Australians back from China, Japan, and the U.S. 

But Joyce believes the international network won’t restart until about July of next year, with U.S. routes to follow later, when the virus is under control. International routes will resume, of course, as travel restrictions around the world are eased, he noted. Trans-Tasman routes to New Zealand could re-start earlier, he said.

Qantas has signaled its international network’s future could be smaller. It retired its fleet of aging Boeing 747-400s and has put its Airbus A380s in long-term storage. The carrier is deferring deliveries of new Boeing 787-9s.

Qantas’ domestic network is operating at about 20% of pre-pandemic levels, and was a source of strength. But recent Covid-19 outbreaks in Melbourne and internal travel restrictions have put a damper on the recovery.

As with many carriers around the world, cargo has been a bright spot for Qantas during the pandemic. Freight revenues reached a “record,” Joyce said, up 8% year-over-year.

Overall, though, the airline didn’t fare as well. On track to report a record year in 2020, instead the carrier reported a 91% plunge in profits, eking out an $88 million profit for the year before the pandemic took hold.

In this time, for any airline to report traffic growth is news. But Pobeda, Aeroflot’s low-cost carrier, did in July. Traffic rose 2%, compared with the 72% decline for the mainline carrier.

This tracks with IATA’s passenger report for the month. Although international traffic remains dismal, some domestic markets are showing signs of life, particularly China and Russia. Domestic demand in Russia was down only 17% in July, compared with 73% for the U.S. Pobeda is primarily a domestic carrier, while mainline Aeroflot has a large international network.

Russians have begun traveling again, to a degree. And given travel restrictions in popular international destinations, more Russians are taking holidays at home, Aeroflot executives said during the company’s earnings call. 

Another factor, they said, is that there are few alternatives to air travel in a country as vast as Russia. This last factor explains why domestic markets in China, the U.S., and Brazil to cite a few examples, have been stronger, relatively, than those of smaller countries or ones with efficient alternatives to air travel.

Despite Pobeda’s relative strength, the Aeroflot Group did not escape the plague afflicting airlines worldwide. Group-wide revenues were down 52% in the second quarter. Traffic plunged 89% for the group. Besides Pobeda, another bright spot for the group was cargo, with revenues up 64% year-over-year.

Adults usually aren't allowed to wear costumes to the Disney World theme parks during regular operating hours. 

Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure.

If you’ve ever dreamed of dressing up like your favorite princess and posing in front of Cinderella’s Castle or donning your best Captain Jack Sparrow attire for a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean, now’s your chance. 

Even though the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Magic Kingdom is transforming into an autumnal wonderland, complete with adorable seasonal treats, Halloween-themed character cavalcades, and plenty of Mickey jack-o-lanterns and fall foliage from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31. Plus, for the first time, guests of all ages — yes, even adults — can wear their Halloween costumes to Magic Kingdom during regular operating hours during this period.

Typically, guests ages 14 and older are not allowed to wear costumes to the Disney theme parks, although some costumes are permitted during special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Disney Villains 

After Hours. Of course, there are still a number of rules that limit acceptable costumes even during these events — you can find the full guidelines on the Disney World website. 

 According to a recent post on the Disney Parks Blog, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31, kids and adults can wear their favorite costumes to Magic Kingdom, but costume masks are not permitted for guests ages 14 years or older. Don’t forget to wear your approved face coverings, too — they’re required in the theme parks. 

 Because adults usually aren’t allowed to wear costumes to the theme parks, a trend called “Disneybounding” has gained popularity in recent years. 

Disneybounders use normal clothes to channel their favorite characters rather than wearing a full costume. To Disneybound as Snow White, for example, you might wear a yellow skirt with a blue top and red cardigan, using the colors of the princess’s costume as inspiration for a modern-day twist on the outfit. 

You can find entire Instagram accounts and blogs devoted to this Disney-themed trend — just search the hashtag #disneybound (which currently has over 1.3 million posts) to see what creative Disney fans have come up with. 

 PHOTO: BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card rapid test kit from Abbott Laboratories. (Photo courtesy of Abbott Laboratories)

Abbott Laboratories announced on August 26 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card rapid test for the detection of coronavirus infection. The point-of-care, rapid test, which is highly portable and can be run outside the laboratory system, produces results in just 15 minutes and costs only $5.

Roughly the size of a credit card, BinaxNOW tests are self-contained and require no special equipment in order to process samples or read test results, although they still must be administered by a medical professional.

As with traditional COVID-19 tests, a nasal swab is required to obtain a sample from the patient for testing. Unlike PCR tests, which must be submitted to a lab for processing and the results of which take several days to be reported, BinaxNOW detects antigens (proteins found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus), instead of the virus itself.

The U.S. government has already agreed to purchase 150 million of these rapid tests from Abbott, which will start shipping tens of millions of tests in September, and plans to ramp up production to supply 50 million tests per month at the beginning of October.

Abbott’s clinical study, conducted with several leading U.S. research universities, showed the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card to have a 97.1-percent sensitivity (meaning that it produces positive results in the presence of the COVID-19 antigen) and 98.5-percent specificity (meaning that it produces negative results when the antigen is not present).

Accordingly, this test can be expected to produce 2.9-percent false negatives and 1.5-percent false positives—meaning that it’s not infallible, but should still go a long way towards identifying and isolating carriers of the virus from the general population.

Under the FDA’s EUA, the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card can be used only by medical professionals—including doctors, nurses, school nurses, medical assistants and technicians, pharmacists, employer occupational health specialists, etc.—in point-of-care settings operating under CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) approval.

While there aren’t currently enough rapid tests to make them widely accessible to travelers or to test everyone passing through U.S. airports, just the notion that a more readily-available, reliable, cheaper and faster testing option is becoming a reality caused airline stocks to shoot upward last week, according to One Mile at a Time.

Abbott is simultaneously releasing NAVICA mobile app, available on both Apple and Android platforms at no charge to patients, that will enable them to display their results when entering certain facilities that require proof of a negative test. The first-of-its-kind app will provide those who test negative with a QR code that serves as a temporary digital health pass, which expires after an interim determined by the organizations that accept it.

"While BinaxNOW is the hardware that makes knowing your COVID-19 status possible, the NAVICA app is the digital network that allows people to share that information with those who need to know," said Robert B. Ford, president and chief executive officer of Abbott. "We're taking our know-how from our digitally-connected medical devices and applying it to our diagnostics at a time when people expect their health information to be digital and readily accessible."

For more information, visit abbott.com.

 The agency now says travelers can follow quarantine guidelines of the state or territory they're visiting or returning to. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now advising travelers to follow local isolation guidelines of where they're visiting instead of its overall 14-day quarantine rule that was implemented earlier this year.

No longer specifying that international travelers must self-isolate as of Monday, the agency now recommends that people, “Follow state, territorial, tribal and local recommendations or requirements after travel.”

The CDC also said people should “take extra precautions” if they participate in a “higher risk” activity, including visiting “an area that is experiencing high levels of COVID-19 spread” and traveling on a cruise ship. Those precautions include staying home “as much as possible,” avoiding contact with compromised or older people, and getting tested for the virus.

“You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels,” the CDC wrote in its advisory. “You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can be contagious without symptoms and spread the virus to others. You and your travel companions (including children) pose a risk to your family, friends, and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus.”

Several states and cities have implemented their own mandatory quarantine measures for travelers coming from areas with high rates of COVID-19 infections. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut require visitors from dozens of states and territories to self-isolate, Chicago has a similar quarantine order in place, and Massachusetts requires out-of-state arrivals to either show a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival or agree to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Several other states have implemented quarantine measures or testing requirements for certain visitors, including Alaska, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

While the CDC no longer specifies travelers must quarantine, the agency does recommend anyone who returns from a trip wear a mask when outside, wash their hands often and remain vigilant for symptoms of COVID-19.

Restriction expiration: September 1, 2020.

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• Can US Pax operate: Yes, pax must not present symptoms and ask for special permit as government business or medevac..
• Types of flights allowed include: Business, Tech Stops, Medevac and Government, Humanitarian, Cargo, and Repatriation
• Test or forms required for entry: Proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48hrs of arrival, Health Form, and Immigration Form.
• Quarantine Details: Pax must undertake 14-day quarantine in a hotel designated by the government in the capital city. After the 14 days, pax can then move about freely and attend business meetings, etc.  All quarantine measures are for the length of stay, up to 14 days.
• Exemptions to Quarantine: Only government official flights with special permit do not need to do quarantine. Also, handler can request special permit for business flights with non-resident passengers to be exempt from quarantine, pending authorization from local authorities.
• Crews do not need to Quarantine for Business flights with special permit from the Government.
• Country website resources:
  • https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/en
  • 
    

General Restrictions for others: Nonresident foreign nationals remain barred from entering the country until further notice. Flights into Argentina require special permission from the authorities, including technical stops and crew rest stops. Special allowance may be given for air ambulance flights and official flights. Restrictions are currently in place for flights from all countries.

A special permit is required for all operations, and will require a minimum 72 hrs. for processing. Requests can only be made Monday to Friday by ANAC (Civil aviation national administration). A Health Declaration Form is required (this is a Legal Declaration of Health) along with the immigration form to be completed by all Pax and Crew. Proof of negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hrs of aircraft arrival into Argentina or a doctor’s note issued within 48hrs and documenting no symptoms of COVID-19 is required.

Passenger Restrictions: Any inbound passengers must undertake 14-day quarantine in a hotel designated by the government in the capital city. In the Provinces, you can quarantine in your home.

Crew Restrictions: Crews are unable to rest on the aircraft. Crew can rest at an off-airport hotel. Crew members are allowed to stay 24 hrs and depart to their destination or they can be in quarantine as passengers during 14 days.

Tech Stop Specifics: All Normal services are available. Crew and Pax cannot leave the aircraft.

​​General restrictions for U.S. pax:

•  Can US Pax operate: Yes
• Types of flights allowed include: Business, Leisure/Tourism, Tech Stops
• Test or forms required for entry: Upon arrival, all passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test not older than 7 days.
• Quarantine Details: none with negative test

General Restrictions: International flights are allowed. Passengers will require a negative COVID-19 test not older than 7 days. The test must be checked by the local Bolivian Consulate of the country of origin.  COVID-19 negative test is mandatory to enter Bolivia (not older than 14 days) for all passengers and crew.

COVID-19 negative test is mandatory to enter Bolivia (not older than 7days) for all passengers and crew.

People on board, except crew, shall not be permitted to disembark without authorization.

Crew Restrictions: Crew rest at hotels is permitted with a COVID-19 negative test.

Tech Stop Details: Possible with passengers on board; no one can leave the aircraft. Some handling services like catering and VIP lounge are unavailable.

Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• US Pax can operate into Brazil under certain conditions. Passengers need a health insurance that covers all Brazilian territory and covers the entire length of the stay.
• Types of flights allowed include: All flights.
• Test or forms required for entry: Passengers need a health insurance that covers all Brazilian territory and covers the entire length of the stay with minimum coverage of R$30.000,00 Brazilian ​reals for medical expenses.
• Quarantine is not required.
• Country website resources: https://www.in.gov.br/web/dou/-/portaria-cc-pr/mjsp/minfra/ms-n-1-de-29-de-julho-de-2020-269235614

General Restrictions: Non-Brazil citizens can now enter the country via air transportation. Brazil has reopened its borders to foreigners effective immediately. Anyone can enter, and tourists are allowed into the country for up to 90 days with no quarantine.

Health insurance is required for foreign passengers.

Crew restrictions: Active crew entering Brazil will not need to quarantine prior to departing on commercial airlines. Once in Brazil they are free to move around. Crews also are not required to present a Health Insurance certificate that is valid in all Brazilian territory.

Tech Stop Details: Tech stops for refueling – passengers may not disembark.

Please check with your Universal team for specifics.

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• U.S. pax can can operate to Chile only under certain conditions. They must request a special permit through the Chilean embassy or consulate.
• Country website resources:
  • https://minrel.gob.cl/minrel/site/edic/base/port/inicio_eng.html
  • Health declaration form: https://www.ivisa.com/chile-health-declaration-form

General Restrictions: The only passengers allowed to enter Chile until further notice are Chilean Citizens and Chilean residents, they need to have their personal document valid, each one of the passengers must be a Citizen or a resident, Visas can not be arranged at arrival. Diplomatic passengers are exempt if they have a consular permit issued by a Chilean authority. Any person allowed to enter will have to complete a 14 days quarantine or their place of residence or a Hotel.​

Authorities have banned nonresident foreign nationals from entering the country.

Crew Restrictions: Crew rest is allowed with no time restriction,  but the crew must remain socially distant in their hotel.

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• Can U.S. passengers operate: Only with Diplomatic Clearance
• Allowed for Tech Stops or Humanitarian flights and repatriation flights with chancellery permit
• Exemptions require special permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Quarantine is mandatory for 14 days or length of stay and monitored by immigration authorities. PAX are responsible for all costs incurred during quarantine period. Address for quarantine must be provided to immigration authorities
• Country website resources:
  • Health locator form: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co

General Restrictions: An order to ban all entries from air travel remains in place. The ban includes Colombian citizens abroad, but it exempts cargo shipments and flights for humanitarian purposes.All flights coming in or out of Colombia require a permit from the CAA. Permit takes at least 72 business hours to be approved once all required documents are submitted. Business flights are not yet allowed. Humanitarian flights, with passengers arriving in Colombia, require 14 day quarantine. Crew and passengers must complete a health locator form.

Crew: Crew are allowed one over night stop. After that normal 14 day quarantine rules apply. Overnight for crews is allowed at approved hotels.

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• Can US Passengers operate: YES but with exceptions.
• U.S. passengers  arriving for business or tourism will only be welcomed if they are residents of the following states:

–          New York–          New Jersey–          New Hampshire–          Maine–          Vermont–          Connecticut

Passengers must prove their residency in one of those states using their driver’s license.

Passengers must obtain a negative PCR-RT test within 48 hours of their flight and purchase a travel-insurance plan that covers COVID-19. (This can be a pre-approved Costa Rican plan, or a foreign one that meets the actual requirements for insurance.

Types of US passenger flights allowed: Business, Leisure/Tourism, and Tech Stops-If from allowed state.

Country website resources: http://costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/150

General Restrictions for others: Foreign nationals from European Union countries, Canada and UK may enter the country as of Aug. 01, 2020.  All INTL Flights with Passengers must arrive at MROC ONLY.

As per Costa Rican Government announcement, as of August 01, MROC and MRLB airports will allow operations and passengers coming from the following countries:

• UK
• European Union
• Canada
• All passengers and crew must fill the epidemiologic form digital version at the following link HTTPS://ccss.now.sh
• Also a COVID-19 negative test within 48 hours needs to be showed to the authorities.
• Travel insurance will be required.

Crew: For crew it is not required to fill the epidemiology form at arrival, and crew are able to overnight if needed. All crew staying overnight no longer require the health pass, COVID-19 test, nor insurance.​ Crew rest is available for 72 hours once their health is inspected by the Health Department upon arrival (COVID-19 TEST). Crew rest is available on aircraft if a transit operation (just a couple of hours).

Tech Stop Details: Passenger cannot enter the country unless they are Costa Rican Citizens. Crew may enter the country. PPR is required 48 hours before landing.

Special Considerations: Universal Aviation Costa Rica suggests landing at MROC through the General Aviation Terminal because they have the protocol for health inspection at arrival and the passenger can be pick up at MROC airport.  If they prefer, Universal Aviation Costa Rica can set up a ground transportation for them to the other airport (takes 15 minutes).

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• US Pax are allowed entry into Ecuador for business, tourism, or tech stops
• Proof of a negative PCR COVID test done within 10 days of flight date is required
• Health form required
• Quarantine is not required
• Country website resources:

General Restrictions: Ecuadorian Government has partially opened its borders, allowing Pax from many countries except Brazil and China.

Passenger Restrictions: Any flights with more than 09 passengers need prior permission from authorities. Ecuadorian citizens or legal residents are allowed to enter.

Passengers from these countries/regions  are being allowed to enter

• United States
• Canada
• Europe – Certain Countries
• Mexico
• Latin American – Certain Countries
• Asia Pacific – Certain Countries
• Middle East & Africa – Certain Countries

Pax must also show upon arrival a negative PCR test of COVID-19, taken within 10 days prior to flight. Quarantine is no longer required for Ecuador.​

Crew Restrictions: Crew rest or overnight is possible in Ecuador. Crew rest is allowed at a hotel for up for one night. More than one night, quarantine must be completed.

Tech Stops:  Tech stops are allowed; however, only crew can leave the aircraft.

​​General restrictions for U.S. pax:

• U.S. Passengers are not allowed in El Salvador
• Country website resources:
  • https://rree.gob.sv/ 
  • https://covid19.gob.sv/ 

General Restrictions: All ports of entry remain closed to nonresident foreign nationals. Only Salvadorans, legal foreign residents, and accredited diplomats may enter the country. Any person entering the country will be screened by health officials to determine if they must remain in self-quarantine.

Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.

General Restrictions for US PAX:

• US Passengers cannot travel, unless they have diplomatic or special permit issued by Ministry of Foreign affairs.
• Flights allowed – Tech Stops, Air Ambulance, Cargo and Humanitarian
• Proof and negative COVID-19 Test and Health Form are required
• Quarantine for length of stay, up to 14-days
• Quarantine exemptions are not allowed
• Country website resources:
  • https://www.guatemala.gob.gt/ 

General Restrictions for All Others: As of 24 AUG, the government maintains its temporary entry ban on all nonresident foreign nationals and the suspension of all international passenger flights until September 19.

Passenger Restrictions: Only Guatemalan Citizens, Residents, and Diplomats with prior permission, allowed. No foreign nationals allowed entry until further notice. Pax must bring the COVID-19 Certificated Negative Test Results valid for 72 hours. Quarantine rules: 14 to 21 days at hotel or home. Pax will be tested upon arrival. 

Crew Restrictions: For Foreign Crew, they must bring the COVID-19 certificated negative valid for 72 hours in case they want to overnight in Guatemala and with previous approval of the government. May overnight at off-airport hotel with MINEX approval. Quarantine rules: 14 to 21 days at hotel or home.

Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.

General restrictions for U.S. pax:

• U.S. pax are not allowed.
• Country website resources:
  • https://www.health.gov.gy/

General Restrictions: The authorities in Guyana have extended all existing restrictions through Sep 30.

Airports are currently closed to all international passenger flights into Guyana.

To get permission to fly to Guyana, a formal request is to be made to the Director General GCAA at least three working days prior to the proposed flight.

Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.​

​​​General Restrictions for US Pax:

• Can U.S. passengers operate: Yes
• Types of flights allowed include: Business, Technical Stops
• Test or forms required for entry: Proof of a Negative COVID test results and health form
• Quarantine details: not required
• Exemptions to Quarantine: N/A.
• Country website resources:
  • https://covid19honduras.org/
  • https://hn.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-tegucigalpa-honduras-08212020/

General Restrictions: International flights from all four international airports resumed Aug. 17​. All incoming international travelers are required to complete the immigration precheck form and must present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, taken within 72 hours prior to departure. ​

Private flights will still require prior authorization to operate and are not covered included in the Aug 10 operational opening.

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• Can US Pax operate: Yes
• Types of flights allowed include: Business, Leisure/Tourism, and Tech Stops
• Test or forms required for entry: Proof of negative COVID-19 test (SARS-COV-2 RNA, QL Real Time RT PCR) issued 72 hr in advance of flight, scanned copies of passports and local party contact Copies to be sent in advance and brought along on aircraft
• Quarantine Details: 15 day quarantine required
• Quarantine Exemptions: none

​​​General Restrictions: Commercial flights have been delayed until early Sept due to COVID-19. Repatriation flights are still continuing.

Landing Permits are required and require the following: negative COVID-19 tests (SARS-COV-2 RNA, QL Real Time RT PCR) for crew and passengers issued 72 hours prior to arrival, and aircraft fumigation certificate must be issued 72 working hours in advance. 15 day quarantine is required.

Crew Restrictions: No overnight Allowed.  Crew do not have to do 14 day quarantine.  They only have to quarantine for the duration of their stay.

General Restrictions for US PAX: 

• US Pax are ​not allowed to enter the country.
• US Pax are only allowed on Tech Stops, Air Ambulances, and Humanitarian Flights. Upon entry they are required to quarantine. No exceptions.
• Country website resources:
  • http://www.minsa.gob.pa/destacado/coronavirus-covin-19 

General Restrictions: No foreigners are allowed to enter unless they have an authorization from the chancellor or there’s an emergency situation.

Passenger Restrictions: Panamanian nationals and residents returning to the country need to self-quarantine for 14 days at place of residence.

Crew: No overnight is allowed. Crew can rest on the aircraft (without clearing customs). Crew do not have to quarantine.

General restrictions for U.S. pax:

• ​​US passengers not allowed to visit, unless certain conditions are met.
• Quarantine required for duration of stay, up to 14 days.
• Country website resources:
  • https://www.paraguay.gov.py/

General Restrictions: As of 31 Aug, the international borders remain closed, and suspension of all commercial passenger flights at all airports will continue until further notice. Officials will make limited exceptions for repatriation flights.​  Foreign flights for repatriation purposes, cargo flights, SAR, emergency flights, and inspection flights are authorized. Humanitarian flights, medevac and technical stop will be approved by the corresponding authority with prior coordination.​

Crew Restrictions: Crew rest at a hotel is possible; crew cannot leave hotel if on crew rest. Crew cannot rest on the aircraft.

General Restrictions for US PAX: 

• Can US Pax operate: Only under certain conditions for business.
• Types of flights allowed include: Tech stops and business flights.
• Test or forms required for entry: If business flight is required, a request with a formal letter regarding the importance of the flight must be sent. This is subject to approval from Chancellery.
• Quarantine Details: 14 days.
• Exemptions to Quarantine: No exemptions for pax.
• Country website resources:
  • https://www.gob.pe/coronavirus

General restrictions: No foreign nationals are allowed to enter the country.  Exceptions can be made for cargo, emergency, SAR, humanitarian, medevac and state flights.

Quarantine rules are 15 continuous days, in establishments coordinated by the government and ministry of health, for Crew and PAX.

Crew: May rest at hotel and may rest at off site hotels. Crew will not have quarantine requirements.

Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.

General Restrictions for US Pax:

• Can US Pax operate: No.
• Country website resources: https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-salud-publica/coronavirus

General restrictions for all others: Non-resident foreign nationals are banned from entering Uruguay. Entry ban does not apply to cargo operations. Passenger, commercial, and/or private flights may only operate in country in case of moving Uruguayan citizens.

Crew: A health declaration and temperature measure will be required on arrival.  Crew are allowed to overnight and rest in the Hotel, but cannot leave Hotel. Hotels are available 20 minutes from the airport. Crew rest aboard the aircraft is limited to 2 or 3 hours.  Crew are exempt, but only for crew rest.

Restriction expiration: September 12, 2020

General Restrictions for US Pax:

•  Can US Pax operate: Only under certain conditions and ​must have a valid visa on passport.
• Types of flights allowed include: Only flights authorized by Venezuelan Foreign Affairs.
• Test or forms required for entry: Proof of a negative COVID test, Health form.
• Quarantine Details: For length of stay, up to 14 days.
• Exemptions to Quarantine: No.
• Country website resources: http://www.presidencia.gob.ve/Site/Web/Principal/paginas/classIndex.php
  ​*****

General Restrictions: Authorities have extended the ban on all domestic and international passenger flights through at September 12th.

Cargo, humanitarian, medevac and repatriation flights have been exempt from the ban.

Passenger Restrictions: Passengers are required to have a COVID-19 Test of less than one week maybe accepted by the Health Officer on duty. All passengers will be screened and if overnighting will be tested with via blood sample.

Crew: Crew rest is allowed but will be under the strict mandatory quarantine procedures at the state facility for the length of crew rest.

In mid-August, TAP Air Portugal announced plans to return to Chicago, San Francisco and New York JFK by October, meaning the carrier would be serving all seven of its pre-pandemic U.S. gateways. 

"There is a lot of uncertainty out there. We don't know anything about an eventual second wave," Carlos Paneiro, TAP's vice president of sales for the Americas region, explained a few days later. "But our plan is to keep growing in the USA as long as demand allows us to do it." 

Restrictions imposed by other countries continue to steeply curtail the ability of Americans to travel abroad, while U.S.-imposed restrictions block most incoming traffic from the EU, China and Brazil as well as incoming leisure traffic from Canada and Mexico. 

Nevertheless, in August TAP was one of more than 70 airlines, including more than 60 foreign-based carriers, that offered at least some level of international service from the U.S, according to the flight data provider OAG. 

Overall, airlines were slated to offer 3.2 million seats in August on international flights from the U.S. That's down more than 77% from last year. But with international travel off-limits in so many cases, and with relatively few people interested in traveling abroad these days in any case, it's reasonable to wonder how, or if, airlines are filling the seats. 

"There are essential working communities and groups that are allowed to travel," said OAG analyst John Grant. "Government workers. People in the healthcare sector. Diplomats. And a lot of it is taking as much cargo as you possibly can."

Other major sources of business these days are dual nationals and U.S. resident cardholders headed home to visit family and friends, say airline executives.

"Mainly it's migrant and family traffic that we have been taking," said Paneiro. 

At Etihad, which is now serving three of its four pre-pandemic U.S. destinations, some traffic continues to come from re-patriations, vice president for the Americas Vincent Frascogna said. 

Meanwhile, Eric Odone, senior vice president of Qatar Airways' western region, said that the carrier is even seeing a modest uptick in business traffic.

Business traffic was very much in mind for Qatar when it decided to resume service to Houston beginning Sept. 2 with three weekly flights, Odone said. He added, though, that the friends-and-relatives market remains Qatar's main source of traffic. The nation of Qatar is closed to tourists, but flyers are connecting through Doha to other parts of the Middle East as well as to East Africa and, increasingly, to Eastern Europe.

As of Sept. 2, Qatar will be flying to eight of the 10 U.S. gateways it served prior to the start of the pandemic.

Overall, many of the large global carriers continue to be the foreign airlines that are doing the most flying to and from the U.S. British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Aeromexico, Turkish, Qatar, Air France and Air Canada are all in the top 10 in terms of seats offered this month, according to OAG. 

Leading the way, though, is discount Mexican carrier Volaris, which has always focused on the family-and-friends travel market. Volaris' scheduled U.S. seat offering this month was down 33.5% year over year as of Aug. 12. 

By comparison, KLM's scheduled U.S. flying was down 43%, Qatar's was down 47%, Aeromexico's was down 68%, Lufthansa's was down 81%, British Airways' was down 82% and Air Canada's was down 94%.

The drastic cutback by Air Canada isn't unusual. Indeed, more than 30 foreign carriers that flew to the U.S. last August aren't flying here this year. And others have made similarly large cuts.

One of those is Singapore Airlines, which currently flies just three times weekly from the U.S. on one route, Los Angeles-Singapore. Prior to the pandemic, Singapore flew eight U.S. routes, most of them daily. But Singapore remains closed to tourists and requires even citizens to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. Further, the city-state continues to prohibit its national airline from booking U.S. customers for connecting itineraries beyond Singapore.

"Obviously, our priority is to reinstate as much of our network as is possible. That is going to depend on the actions of the Singapore government, as far as opening borders," spokesman James Boyd said. 

Still, even with border restrictions dotting the map, carriers like Qatar and TAP continue to optimistically rebuild their international networks. After the Sept. 2 Houston reintroduction, Qatar plans to resume Doha-Philadelphia service on Sept. 15, leaving it with 56 weekly U.S. frequencies, down from 77 pre-pandemic, though some flights are on smaller aircraft. 

Qatar's approach, which has included more flying in general than other global carriers throughout the pandemic, has OAG's Grant scratching his head.

"I have been at a loss to see how this has been an effective strategy for them," he said.

But Qatar's Odone asserts that between passenger and cargo traffic, the U.S. flights are moneymakers.

"The flights are reviewed twice a week in terms of whether they are cash positive or cash negative," he said. "From the Americas, we've never had a problem."

TAP, meanwhile, had planned a combined 82 weekly August frequencies to the U.S. and Canada prior to the pandemic. With the addition of New York, San Francisco and Chicago in October, the carrier could bring its actual frequencies as high as 45, Paneiro said. That number includes a new, thrice-weekly Boston-Azores route TAP launched in July to cater to the friends-and-relatives market.

Load factors on the carrier's North American routes right now are in the 50%-to-60% range.

"As long as you cover the variable costs, it is worth putting the aircraft up in the air," Paneiro said. "A load factor of 50% to 60% is not as profitable as it was before, but it's worth putting up with those loads, as opposed to putting planes on the ground."