3/17/20
Our office is currently closed to the public, in efforts to comply with the COVID-19 protocol.
Although we are not showing any symptoms, and are not feeling sick, we cannot guarantee that we have not picked up Coronavirus during our recent travels through North and South Carolina, where we gathered with large crowds of people.
We will still be available by phone: 704.209.2228 or email: sales@wishingon.com, to assist with your questions, concerns and new bookings.
We plan to reopen on April 1st, 2020. Wishing On Travel appreciates our client's patience and understanding during these unprecedented times, on a global level.
Stay safe and don't forget...."washy, washy!"
- Wishing On Travel Agency, Inc.
Our office is currently closed to the public, in efforts to comply with the COVID-19 protocol.
Although we are not showing any symptoms, and are not feeling sick, we cannot guarantee that we have not picked up Coronavirus during our recent travels through North and South Carolina, where we gathered with large crowds of people.
We will still be available by phone: 704.209.2228 or email: sales@wishingon.com, to assist with your questions, concerns and new bookings.
We plan to reopen on April 1st, 2020. Wishing On Travel appreciates our client's patience and understanding during these unprecedented times, on a global level.
Stay safe and don't forget...."washy, washy!"
- Wishing On Travel Agency, Inc.
Watch video, for a personal message from Wishing On Travel's owner, Lydia Blanton
3/11/20
03/06/2020
Due to extremely high call volume at this time, it is recommended that you visit the travel supplier's web page for the latest Travel Updates affecting your trip, if you are unable to reach us immediately.
Due to extremely high call volume at this time, it is recommended that you visit the travel supplier's web page for the latest Travel Updates affecting your trip, if you are unable to reach us immediately.
How to Prevent the Fear of
Coronavirus from Spreading
Updated March 16, 2020
The latest strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has overtaken many of our news and social feeds for the last few weeks!
This outbreak, originating in Wuhan, China, has impacted travel, economies, and peace of mind around the globe.
Through this guide, we want to educate you on the current coronavirus situation and help you make an informed decision regarding travel.
We’ve gathered some grounding facts from authoritative sources, including Harvard University and the World Health Organization, about coronavirus.
Hopefully, this guide will help you think more clearly about COVID-19 and make more sound decisions regarding travel.
This ultimate guide on the coronavirus and travel will:
1. Answer your most asked questions regarding the coronavirus and travel
2. Debunk the common myths you might be thinking about the coronavirus
3. Provide authoritative resources you can reference for coronavirus updates
Should I cancel my trip due to the coronavirus?
It depends. Where are you traveling?
Are you one of those who are most at risk for developing severe cases of the coronavirus?
Are you concerned about a possible quarantine upon your return?
The coronavirus has caused travelers to question whether it’s safe to take their pre-planned trip or even travel at all.
The U.S. Department of State responded to the coronavirus outbreak by issuing a Level 3 Global Health Advisory,
which encourages citizens to reconsider international travel at this time.
However, the CDC only recommends cancelling nonessential travel to China, Iran, South Korea, and most of Europe.
Individuals should consult current travel advisories for their intended destination and make an educated decision that’s best for them.
Those who decide to travel are encouraged to enroll in STEP, a free service from the US Department of State, for US citizens traveling internationally.
SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) LINK
Enrolling your trip will make it easier to receive important information on safety conditions in your destination,
and help the U.S. Embassy reach you in case of an emergency.
How does coronavirus spread?
COVID-19 is not an air-borne disease.The coronavirus spreads through contaminated water droplets,
which can manifest in coughs or sneezes from an infected person.
To get coronavirus, someone needs to inhale these small water droplets, which means you must be in close proximity to a sick person.
To prevent the spreading of the coronavirus, the CDC provides healthy guidelines for travelers amidst the coronavirus.
How likely am I to get coronavirus if I’m traveling?
This largely depends on where you’re traveling.
The Department of State provides a thorough list of travel advisories for each country, which should report if a country is restricted for travel or not.
Check your destination for its travel warning, and you can make an educated decision to travel or not based on any travel warnings you may find.
As stated, those most at risk for experiencing severe cases of the coronavirus include the elderly with pre-existing medical conditions.
Is there a greater risk of getting the coronavirus on an airplane?
WHO informs travelers that plane cabins are not more dangerous for contracting the coronavirus.
Since the virus is not spread through the air, sitting on a plane with circulating air will not increase your risk of getting the coronavirus.
You can always take precautions for guarding against sickness, including proactive hand washing and disinfecting surfaces.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself against the coronavirus?
WHO recommends that those displaying respiratory symptoms of the coronavirus--coughing and sneezing--should wear a protective mask.
However, they do not claim that wearing a mask will aid the unaffected to stay healthy.
If you do wear a mask, you need to make sure it’s the respirator kind and that it fits properly.
Can the coronavirus live on surfaces?
The CDC informs travelers that coronaviruses are unable to survive on surfaces for very long.
It is unclear how long the COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces just yet.
Is there a drug or vaccine for the coronavirus?
There is no drug or vaccine for the coronavirus yet, although WHO is coordinating efforts to develop preventions and treatments for COVID-19.
The CDC lists proactive measures to protect yourself from the coronavirus,
which include frequently washing your hands and avoiding close contact with sick persons.
Sick persons can prevent further contamination by staying home, covering coughs, and wearing a facemask in public.
Can I cancel my trip due to the coronavirus if I bought travel insurance?
It depends. Travel insurance providers generally exclude trip cancellation coverage for epidemics, an outbreak of a virus, or a travel advisory.
The only circumstance where travel insurance could reimburse you for a portion of your lost trip cost would be if you purchased a
specific type of coverage called “Cancel for Any Reason.”
To qualify for this benefit, you must have purchased your policy within 14-21 days from your initial deposit date and meet certain requirements.
Common Myths Surrounding the Coronavirus
With the exponential buzz about the coronavirus, it’s essential to separate myths from fact.
Here are some common myths getting shared about the coronavirus.
Myth #1: Everyone who gets the coronavirus will die.
Studies reveal that a majority confirmed cases result in mild symptoms, especially for those in children and young adults.
Those at a higher risk for contracting serious-to-fatal cases are the elderly and those with severe and chronic underlying medical conditions.
The risk of dying from coronavirus appears to increase with age,
since only 1% of those younger than 50 show an increased risk of dying if infected by COVID-19.
The risk of dying from the coronavirus also appears to increase in those with pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular issues,
diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, hypertension, and cancer.
Those without pre-existing medical conditions who get infected by COVID-19 show a 99% chance of survival.
Myth #2: The coronavirus is the most dangerous virus in human history.
If you think back to the SARS epidemic in 2003, that virus had a mortality rate of nearly 10%.
Similarly, the MERS outbreak in recent years had a fatality rate of 34%.
According to current studies of the coronavirus outbreak, it has an estimated fatality rate of 4%.
John Hopkins Medicine reveals that influenza, the most common virus we face, causes more deaths annually than COVID-19 has caused in its totality.
These numbers reveal that the coronavirus is not the deadliest outbreak of a virus.
Myth #3: Wearing a mask keeps me safe from the coronavirus.
Surgical masks worn by your typical dentist will not protect you from the coronavirus.
Even if someone has the right type of mask, many civilians do not know how to wear them properly.
Healthcare workers often wear a N95 mask, which acts as a respirator.
It’s proven to filter foreign particles with 95% efficacy; however, if the mask is to work properly, you need to fit the mask to your face.
When medical professionals use these masks around sick patients, they undergo tests to ensure it fits properly and the seal isn’t compromised.
Otherwise, the mask will not help protect against illness.
Myth #4: I could get the coronavirus from a package sent from China.
Research shows that COVID-19 acts similarly to other strains of the coronavirus, which means it does not live for very long on surface.
John Hopkins and the CDC agree that you are not likely to contract the coronavirus from a package sent from China.
The virus is most likely to get transferred through infected water droplets from coughing and sneezing.
Myth #5: Taking herbal remedies can keep you safe from the coronavirus.
Although you can always take proactive steps to naturally boost your immune system,
there is little evidence that herbal remedies can protect you from contracting a coronavirus.
The best way to protect yourself while traveling is through proper hygiene—washing hands frequently,
avoiding touching unwashed hands to the face, and liberal use of hand sanitizer.
Best Authoritative Sources for Coronavirus Updates
If you want to find the most accurate updates on the coronavirus, social media might not be the place to check.
If you want to find trustworthy news on the coronavirus, consider turning to an authoritative source.
Here are a few institutions that many people trust.
Harvard Health Publishing
Harvard Health Publishing derives from the minds of over 10,000 highly educated physicians at Harvard Medical School.
This trusted health news source released an article about the coronavirus.
The author warns against myths regarding the coronavirus, and encourages readers to be cautious about sources on social media,
where anything can get blown out of proportion.
John Hopkins Medicine
John Hopkins Medicine sets a standard of excellence by pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and medical education.
The director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins compares the coronavirus to influenza.
Although onset symptoms can appear similar, the fatality rates are increasingly different.
The coronavirus has caused over 4,600 deaths to date, while the seasonal flu takes hundreds of thousands of lives around the world every year.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO directs and coordinates international health within the United Nations system to project people into a better and healthier future across the globe. WHO released a video about common questions regarding the coronavirus and travel.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC gives a bold promise to America to protect our health, safety, and security around the clock.
They provide a three-tiered level system to evaluate the risk of nonessential travel to certain destinations.
Check out their resources if you’re curious about the risk of the coronavirus associated with your travel destination.
Final Thoughts on the Coronavirus
Make sure you know the facts regarding the coronavirus and travel before you make a hasty decision.
Know who’s most at risk and which areas have the most confirmed cases.
Due to current travel restrictions over the coronavirus, you will want to be cautious regarding travel to your intended destination.
Research the location you’re heading to, and as anytime you're traveling, always be safe.
The latest strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has overtaken many of our news and social feeds for the last few weeks!
This outbreak, originating in Wuhan, China, has impacted travel, economies, and peace of mind around the globe.
Through this guide, we want to educate you on the current coronavirus situation and help you make an informed decision regarding travel.
We’ve gathered some grounding facts from authoritative sources, including Harvard University and the World Health Organization, about coronavirus.
Hopefully, this guide will help you think more clearly about COVID-19 and make more sound decisions regarding travel.
This ultimate guide on the coronavirus and travel will:
1. Answer your most asked questions regarding the coronavirus and travel
2. Debunk the common myths you might be thinking about the coronavirus
3. Provide authoritative resources you can reference for coronavirus updates
Should I cancel my trip due to the coronavirus?
It depends. Where are you traveling?
Are you one of those who are most at risk for developing severe cases of the coronavirus?
Are you concerned about a possible quarantine upon your return?
The coronavirus has caused travelers to question whether it’s safe to take their pre-planned trip or even travel at all.
The U.S. Department of State responded to the coronavirus outbreak by issuing a Level 3 Global Health Advisory,
which encourages citizens to reconsider international travel at this time.
However, the CDC only recommends cancelling nonessential travel to China, Iran, South Korea, and most of Europe.
Individuals should consult current travel advisories for their intended destination and make an educated decision that’s best for them.
Those who decide to travel are encouraged to enroll in STEP, a free service from the US Department of State, for US citizens traveling internationally.
SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) LINK
Enrolling your trip will make it easier to receive important information on safety conditions in your destination,
and help the U.S. Embassy reach you in case of an emergency.
How does coronavirus spread?
COVID-19 is not an air-borne disease.The coronavirus spreads through contaminated water droplets,
which can manifest in coughs or sneezes from an infected person.
To get coronavirus, someone needs to inhale these small water droplets, which means you must be in close proximity to a sick person.
To prevent the spreading of the coronavirus, the CDC provides healthy guidelines for travelers amidst the coronavirus.
How likely am I to get coronavirus if I’m traveling?
This largely depends on where you’re traveling.
The Department of State provides a thorough list of travel advisories for each country, which should report if a country is restricted for travel or not.
Check your destination for its travel warning, and you can make an educated decision to travel or not based on any travel warnings you may find.
As stated, those most at risk for experiencing severe cases of the coronavirus include the elderly with pre-existing medical conditions.
Is there a greater risk of getting the coronavirus on an airplane?
WHO informs travelers that plane cabins are not more dangerous for contracting the coronavirus.
Since the virus is not spread through the air, sitting on a plane with circulating air will not increase your risk of getting the coronavirus.
You can always take precautions for guarding against sickness, including proactive hand washing and disinfecting surfaces.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself against the coronavirus?
WHO recommends that those displaying respiratory symptoms of the coronavirus--coughing and sneezing--should wear a protective mask.
However, they do not claim that wearing a mask will aid the unaffected to stay healthy.
If you do wear a mask, you need to make sure it’s the respirator kind and that it fits properly.
Can the coronavirus live on surfaces?
The CDC informs travelers that coronaviruses are unable to survive on surfaces for very long.
It is unclear how long the COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces just yet.
Is there a drug or vaccine for the coronavirus?
There is no drug or vaccine for the coronavirus yet, although WHO is coordinating efforts to develop preventions and treatments for COVID-19.
The CDC lists proactive measures to protect yourself from the coronavirus,
which include frequently washing your hands and avoiding close contact with sick persons.
Sick persons can prevent further contamination by staying home, covering coughs, and wearing a facemask in public.
Can I cancel my trip due to the coronavirus if I bought travel insurance?
It depends. Travel insurance providers generally exclude trip cancellation coverage for epidemics, an outbreak of a virus, or a travel advisory.
The only circumstance where travel insurance could reimburse you for a portion of your lost trip cost would be if you purchased a
specific type of coverage called “Cancel for Any Reason.”
To qualify for this benefit, you must have purchased your policy within 14-21 days from your initial deposit date and meet certain requirements.
Common Myths Surrounding the Coronavirus
With the exponential buzz about the coronavirus, it’s essential to separate myths from fact.
Here are some common myths getting shared about the coronavirus.
Myth #1: Everyone who gets the coronavirus will die.
Studies reveal that a majority confirmed cases result in mild symptoms, especially for those in children and young adults.
Those at a higher risk for contracting serious-to-fatal cases are the elderly and those with severe and chronic underlying medical conditions.
The risk of dying from coronavirus appears to increase with age,
since only 1% of those younger than 50 show an increased risk of dying if infected by COVID-19.
The risk of dying from the coronavirus also appears to increase in those with pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiovascular issues,
diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, hypertension, and cancer.
Those without pre-existing medical conditions who get infected by COVID-19 show a 99% chance of survival.
Myth #2: The coronavirus is the most dangerous virus in human history.
If you think back to the SARS epidemic in 2003, that virus had a mortality rate of nearly 10%.
Similarly, the MERS outbreak in recent years had a fatality rate of 34%.
According to current studies of the coronavirus outbreak, it has an estimated fatality rate of 4%.
John Hopkins Medicine reveals that influenza, the most common virus we face, causes more deaths annually than COVID-19 has caused in its totality.
These numbers reveal that the coronavirus is not the deadliest outbreak of a virus.
Myth #3: Wearing a mask keeps me safe from the coronavirus.
Surgical masks worn by your typical dentist will not protect you from the coronavirus.
Even if someone has the right type of mask, many civilians do not know how to wear them properly.
Healthcare workers often wear a N95 mask, which acts as a respirator.
It’s proven to filter foreign particles with 95% efficacy; however, if the mask is to work properly, you need to fit the mask to your face.
When medical professionals use these masks around sick patients, they undergo tests to ensure it fits properly and the seal isn’t compromised.
Otherwise, the mask will not help protect against illness.
Myth #4: I could get the coronavirus from a package sent from China.
Research shows that COVID-19 acts similarly to other strains of the coronavirus, which means it does not live for very long on surface.
John Hopkins and the CDC agree that you are not likely to contract the coronavirus from a package sent from China.
The virus is most likely to get transferred through infected water droplets from coughing and sneezing.
Myth #5: Taking herbal remedies can keep you safe from the coronavirus.
Although you can always take proactive steps to naturally boost your immune system,
there is little evidence that herbal remedies can protect you from contracting a coronavirus.
The best way to protect yourself while traveling is through proper hygiene—washing hands frequently,
avoiding touching unwashed hands to the face, and liberal use of hand sanitizer.
Best Authoritative Sources for Coronavirus Updates
If you want to find the most accurate updates on the coronavirus, social media might not be the place to check.
If you want to find trustworthy news on the coronavirus, consider turning to an authoritative source.
Here are a few institutions that many people trust.
Harvard Health Publishing
Harvard Health Publishing derives from the minds of over 10,000 highly educated physicians at Harvard Medical School.
This trusted health news source released an article about the coronavirus.
The author warns against myths regarding the coronavirus, and encourages readers to be cautious about sources on social media,
where anything can get blown out of proportion.
John Hopkins Medicine
John Hopkins Medicine sets a standard of excellence by pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and medical education.
The director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins compares the coronavirus to influenza.
Although onset symptoms can appear similar, the fatality rates are increasingly different.
The coronavirus has caused over 4,600 deaths to date, while the seasonal flu takes hundreds of thousands of lives around the world every year.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO directs and coordinates international health within the United Nations system to project people into a better and healthier future across the globe. WHO released a video about common questions regarding the coronavirus and travel.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC gives a bold promise to America to protect our health, safety, and security around the clock.
They provide a three-tiered level system to evaluate the risk of nonessential travel to certain destinations.
Check out their resources if you’re curious about the risk of the coronavirus associated with your travel destination.
Final Thoughts on the Coronavirus
Make sure you know the facts regarding the coronavirus and travel before you make a hasty decision.
Know who’s most at risk and which areas have the most confirmed cases.
Due to current travel restrictions over the coronavirus, you will want to be cautious regarding travel to your intended destination.
Research the location you’re heading to, and as anytime you're traveling, always be safe.
How to Prevent the Fear of
Coronavirus from Spreading
March 2, 2020
The latest strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has overtaken many of our news and social feeds for the last few weeks! But how many of these stories are actually true? Could it be possible these sources are spreading undue fear of the coronavirus without sharing all the facts?
To help in putting your mind at ease, we’ve gathered some grounding facts from authoritative sources, including Harvard University and the World Health Organization, about the coronavirus. Hopefully, this guide will help you to think more clearly about COVID-19 and to make more sound decisions regarding travel.
The latest strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has overtaken many of our news and social feeds for the last few weeks! But how many of these stories are actually true? Could it be possible these sources are spreading undue fear of the coronavirus without sharing all the facts?
To help in putting your mind at ease, we’ve gathered some grounding facts from authoritative sources, including Harvard University and the World Health Organization, about the coronavirus. Hopefully, this guide will help you to think more clearly about COVID-19 and to make more sound decisions regarding travel.
|
Did you know COVID-19 has not
issued any travel bans? Probably the biggest fact you can know is that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there shouldn’t be any travel or trade restrictions due to the coronavirus. |
Do you know most cases of COVID-19
remain within China? Of all the confirmed cases of the outbreak, around 95% have stayed within Mainland China. Considering the virus originated in the Hubei regions of China, this means the virus has hardly spread worldwide. Fear of COVID-19 has spread more rapidly than the disease itself. |
Did you know COVID-19 is
weaker than the flu? According to the experts, the coronavirus is much less harmful than the flu, yet it’s causing outsized anxiety around the globe. The flu kills around 20 times more people on an annual basis than COVID-19 has in its totality. |
The most reputable institutions, including Harvard and WHO, all agree that the media hype has done nothing but help the coronavirus spread in undue, global anxiety. These trusted sources agree that the coronavirus is not as deadly, not as scary, and not as intense as the media is making it out to be.
Collectively, these authoritative resources agree:
Collectively, these authoritative resources agree:
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|
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|
John Hopkins Medicine
John Hopkins Medicine sets a standard of excellence by pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and medical education. The director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins brings some well-needed light by comparing the coronavirus to influenza. Although onset symptoms can appear similar, the fatality rates are increasingly different. Although the coronavirus has caused over 2,800 deaths to date, the seasonal flu has taken the lives of 20 times more people throughout the world on an annual basis. |
|
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO directs and coordinates international health within the United Nations system to project people into a better and healthier future across the globe. WHO released an insightful video about common questions regarding the coronavirus and travel. When asked if people should cancel their travel plans, the Head, International Health Regulations Secretariat chuckles with a resounding, “No.” |
|
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC gives a bold promise to America to protect our health, safety, and security around the clock. They provide an insightful, three-tiered level system to evaluate the risk of nonessential travel to certain destinations. Check out their resources if you’re curious about the risk of the coronavirus associated with your travel destination. (It’s likely lower than you think.) |
Final Thoughts on the Coronavirus Chaos
It’s quite possible that fear and panic over the coronavirus are substantially worse than the actual sickness. Educated statistics show that the coronavirus is merely a bad cold, and influenza, which we face annually, is actually much worse in comparison. WHO is not issuing a travel ban due to the coronavirus; therefore, you do not need to be afraid to travel. Be cautious like you would any other time you were to travel, research the location you’re heading to, and always be safe.
Sources
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