Advice and information about travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic
It appears the COVID-19 third wave nightmare has peaked and life is slowly but surely getting back to normal. The light at the end of the tunnel is sunlight, streaming down on Florida, Arizona, Texas, California, and other southern destinations that you will visit soon.
It took some time, but as of May 28th over 50% of Canadians have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine supplies continue to arrive. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that, by September, every Canadian that wanted to be vaccinated, would be vaccinated and we are on target.
After the announcement of the border closure extension to June 21st, when pressed for more information about Canada’s plan to reopen its side of the border, Prime Minister Trudeau suggested that a 75% vaccination rate may be the starting point for discussions, but provided no further details. With the vaccine administration rate increasing ahead of schedule, reaching 75% is proving to be a safe and realistic objective. Furthermore, with countries opening their borders to vaccinated citizens and with a ‘Vaccine Passport’ in discussion, travel is certainly on the horizon.
Did you know …
Travel Insurance Office Inc. (TIO) offers a range of products that cover COVID-related emergencies up to $5 million per person. You can travel even if a travel advisory is in place. If a travel advisory is imposed after you get to your travel destination, you can stay where you are and still be covered for a COVID-related emergency.
All TIO policies also offer the ‘TIO Risk-Free Guarantee,’ which gives you peace of mind knowing that if you cancel for ANY reason prior to travel you will get a full refund.
That said, now is a great time to go ahead and make your travel plans for the fall, winter, and spring with peace of mind knowing that you’ll have the medical coverage you need, when you need it. Let TIO keep you protected.
Should I continue to wear a mask and keep socially distant?
It is your choice, but we at TIO believe that if we all do our part and continue to wear masks and socially distance, we can all get back to normal.
For those who received their first dose:
The first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine protects 85%-90% (depending on which vaccine you receive), which will help prevent the need for a ventilator and decrease the chance of being admitted to the ICU.
Even with the first dose you are still susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus
A recent study determined only 0.15% of Canadians caught COVID-19 after getting vaccinated
For those without the COVID-19 vaccine
It is your choice, but we highly recommend wearing masks and socially distancing for the safety of yourself and others.
When do you think we can stop wearing masks and social distancing?
With the notion of a ‘Vaccine Nation’ being adopted around the world, the vaccine rate increasing steadily, and with the new case count decreasing, the day may come sooner than we think. When exactly all depends on everyone doing their part to help stop the spread.
It will be strange at first, the feeling of being ‘naked’ in a sense, as we have all come so accustom to wearing it, but it will certainly be a big breath of fresh air when the day comes.
We at TIO will continue to wear masks and socially distance, until deemed unnecessary, according to the Government of Canada and the Minister of Health.
In any case, it is still important to follow the health & safety practices in place, of the person, country, or institution you are visiting. It is also advisable to continue washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer when in contact with commonly used items such as door knobs, gas pumps, and hand railings, just to name a few.
Travel Insurance Office Inc. (TIO) is celebrating its 30th year serving snowbirds and other travellers and, on behalf of all of the agents, I thank you for your support and for recommending us to your family and friends.
Enjoy your travels!
Check out this helpful chart:
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