To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
Things with the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to change and develop over the past several months.
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More recently, a new variant was discovered, which has led to travel restrictions and more. Now, the World Health Organization has some specific travel advice in light of this new variant.
According to a recent article released by the World Health Organization (WHO), the WHO has designated the new variant, Omicron, as a “variant of concern.” The WHO article then discusses a bit more about the travel restrictions that are being put in place by various countries in response to the discovery of this new variant.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Sign
The WHO also noted that the “Omicron variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning.” It also shared that the initial evidence “suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant” and it is expected that this new variant will be detected in an increasing number of countries.
The WHO shared that “while scientific research is underway to understand” more about this variant, it advises a number of things. There is then a list of advice from the WHO including specific suggestions about what type of travel restrictions should be utilized and more. The WHO specifically noted that blanket travel bans won’t prevent the spread and place a heavy burden on lives.
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At the end of its list of advice, the WHO notes that “Persons who are unwell or at risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease and dying, including people 60 years of age or older or those with comorbidities (e.g. heart disease, cancer and diabetes), should be advised to postpone travel.”
The WHO also advised that all travelers remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, get vaccinated, and adhere to public health measures at all times.
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The U.S. has imposed travel bans on select countries due to the new variant. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more news on this situation and let you know what we find.
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You cut off a very important point in the WHO article, the beginning of the sentence:
“Persons who are unwell, or who have not been fully vaccinated or do not have proof of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and are at increased risk of developing severe disease and dying, including people 60 years of age or older or those with comorbidities that present increased risk of severe COVID-19 (e.g. heart disease, cancer and diabetes) should be advised to postpone travel to areas with community transmission.”
They’re not recommending everyone with comorbidities not travel. They’re recommending *unvaccinated* people with comorbidities not travel.
The WHO clarified their advice and it is now only those that are NOT VACCINATED
More. Politics.
Well, it’s easier to say than to do. At this point, if we cancel, my DVC points become restricted. At 60 days it would be virtually impossible to find accommodation available using all the points included in my current reservation.
You mean the variant that people barely know they have because it’s so mild right?
Oh dear god there’s always going to be new mutations,so far the scientists are saying it’s very mild symptoms, I really feel we have to just get on and live.
Guess what? Covid and its variants are here to stay. The strains are mutating AND weakening. Politics and fear are the only things giving them their new life. We’ll never outrun it, we’ll never outlive it. Being afraid of death will only keep you from living.
I think the biggest take away needs to be about new or re-hashed travel restrictions. It just became a lot harder to travel internationally now. With all the extra PCR tests before you enter many countries, it can easily add $800-1000 to your family trip. Coming from Canada to WDW is already expensive enough!