Health & Wellness

The past year (and then some) has left most people responsibly stuck at home, abiding by travel restrictions and doing their part not to spread the virus. This has come with many challenges in the mental health realm that have made us realize just how important travel is for our wellbeing.

Cruise travel is at a standstill during this period of uncertainty with the Covid-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sent out a request for information related to cruise ship embarkation and planning and infrastructure. This measure is an effort by the CDC to develop a strategy to prevent, mitigate, and respond to the spread of the virus on cruise ships. The No Sail Order extension by the CDC dated July 16 is the most recent one since it was extended on April 15. This extension will hold through September 30, 2020, and it suspends passenger operations on cruise ships in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Since placing the No Sail Order CDC has worked with cruise lines to bring crew members back home, requiring cruise lines to sign and submit an attestation. The 28-question list compiled by the CDC is open to persons and organizations [...]

The coronavirus pandemic has treated the world to new norms that have never before occurred. The total shutdown of essential services and normal life during the total lockdown directives and a massive meltdown of economies leading to job losses and restructuring of revenue streams are scenarios that have not been witnessed in the recent past. Borders were shut down and airline companies parked their airplanes in airports. However, the pandemic infection rate is receding and most countries are considering a phased return to normalcy including the United States. Flights are reopening their services but Americans have had to adapt to new ways of air travel. Protection Guidelines Some of the major guidelines that have helped bring down coronavirus new infection cases are social distancing and wearing a protective mask. The airline industry is maintaining the same as a precaution against the spread of the virus. For some airlines, passengers are [...]

Many of us have been sitting idly by as we wait for restrictions and the stay-at-home orders that were imposed during this COVID-19 pandemic to lift. Meanwhile we've been snacking more and becoming stiff from being sedentary. So World Footprints spoke to AFAA Personal Trainer and Venice Nutrition Coach, Neila Bond, who is running online fitness courses and nutritional coaching. Neila shared some easy-to-do exercises to help everyone (of all fitness levels) stay fit.

World Footprints speaks with Ayesha Tanzeem, Voice of America (VOA) Bureau Chief for Pakistan and Afghanistan, to discuss the region's COVID-19 response and challenges. Ayesha shares information not widely reported outside the Middle East, offering enlightening insights into the pandemic's impact.

Following our earlier interview with Johannes Syms from the Western Cape (Cape Town), South Africa, we interviewed a Johannesburg-based reporter, Anita Powell, to learn what is happening in that densely populated city. Some of what we learned about the healthcare concerns in South Africa surprised us.

For weeks, it seemed like Mexico wasn't as impacted by COVID-19 as other countries around the world, and certainly not as affected as its U.S. neighbor. But what was really happening in Mexico, and how is the country handling the coronavirus pandemic today? Was Mexico slow to respond to the pandemic, or did the virus simply not spread there as quickly as it did in other countries? To answer these questions, World Footprints turned to Tim Leffel, an award-winning travel journalist and U.S. expat residing in Mexico. Tim joins us to share his insights on the current situation in Mexico, particularly in the central state of Guanajuato. He provides an in-depth look at how Mexico is managing the pandemic and what the reality on the ground looks like. Guanajuato Mexico monument For more global stories and expert insights, visit World Footprints. Call to Action: Visit our website for [...]

Traveling during this period can be difficult for most people, but if you follow the safety measures, you are good to go. As of now, medical experts have said that the virus spreads through the eyes, nose, and mouth. If contaminated hands touch the face, you will definitely contract coronavirus. Before you head out, you should check your state health department’s website for insights about the virus. In some countries, traveling has been restricted or controlled, especially in those countries that have recorded the highest number of cases. Below are tips to curb COVID-19 when traveling or going to the gym. Maintain Hand Hygiene Frequently Hands are best cleaned by washing with soap and water for about 20 seconds according to the WHO. You can also use an 70% alcohol hand-based sanitizer. Cleaning your hands is considered important to avoid the spread of virus through the face or contaminating other [...]

Our dear friend Catherine Chambre joined us to discuss how her town, Chambery, and other small villages in the French Alps are dealing with COVID-19. Surprisingly, the measures in these smaller towns and villages are just as strict as those in the metropolitan areas, even though the number of illnesses and deaths hasn't been as high.

For the Vatican and the City of Rome, Holy Week has been strikingly different this year. The bustling crowds that usually fill St. Peter’s Square have been absent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite the absence of visitors, the Pope will still celebrate all Holy Week services, albeit without an audience. While the Vatican’s offices remain open, strict social distancing measures are in place, even as confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported. Voice of America reporter Sabina Castelfranco has been on the ground, covering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Italy and the Vatican. Joining us from Rome, Sabina provides exclusive insights into the current situation. In this report, Sabina explains why Italy became the first European country severely affected by COVID-19 and how the virus spread so rapidly. She also sheds light on the measures being taken to protect Pope Francis after members of the Vatican tested [...]

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact in London, England, affecting high-profile figures such as Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is currently in intensive care. Henry Ridgwell, a Voice of America correspondent based in London, reports that COVID-19 has not only affected the health of prominent leaders but has also altered societal norms for years to come. The pandemic has raised critical political questions that will need to be addressed in the aftermath. Tower Bridge in London, United Kingdom. Stay updated on travel news and insights by subscribing to our newsletter at WorldFootprints. Call to Action: Follow @WorldFootprints on Instagram and all social media platforms. Subscribe to our newsletter at WorldFootprints.com for the latest updates and travel inspiration. Hashtags: #COVID19London #PrinceCharles #BorisJohnson #WorldFootprints #TravelNews #PandemicImpact #LondonNews #PoliticalChanges #SocietalNorms #TravelUpdates Stay informed about the COVID-19 impact in London with World Footprints. Follow us on social [...]