World News Random, Random

[dryrunguy]

(My apologies for interrupting the current conversation. Please carry on.)

Here's the latest from the Johns Hopkins Health Security Newsletter:

Global COVID Activity Increases; U.S. Vaccine Policy Shift Fuels Concern, Confusion

Global COVID-19 activity continues to rise, primarily in parts of Asia and the Middle East, with the new NB.1.8.1 subvariant increasingly being detected in the UK and the U.S. NB.1.8.1 accounts for nearly 11% of globally sequenced cases as of mid-May, according to WHO. While the Omicron derivative appears more infectious than the currently predominant LP.8.1, symptoms are similar to previous SARS-CoV-2 strains, and vaccines and antivirals are still expected to offer protection. Despite an uptick in hospitalizations in some countries, NB.1.8.1 is still considered a low overall risk to public health.

Typical process upended

In the U.S., questions and confusion remain over HHS’s unprecedented decision to rescind federal recommendations for routine COVID-19 vaccination in healthy children and pregnant women. Neither the CDC, which typically sets policy for who should receive vaccines, nor the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the agency on those decisions, was consulted on or alerted to the decision.

CDC urges shared decision making

Last week, CDC issued updated advice that appears to counter the new HHS policy, stating that children “may receive” COVID-19 shots through shared decision-making between parents and doctors. COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy—a well-documented risk factor for more severe COVID-19 complications—are now listed as "No Guidance/Not Applicable," where they were previously recommended for all pregnant adults. These changes, which bypassed the usual advisory process and provided no new data underlying the rationale, have led to widespread confusion among healthcare providers and families and may make access to COVID vaccines more difficult due to uncertain insurance coverage or fewer providers who stock doses.

Experts disagree with new guidance

Many public health and infectious disease experts dispute the new recommendations, emphasizing that pregnancy remains a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 complications. Additionally, the lack of clear federal guidance could further undermine public trust, they argue. A top COVID vaccine adviser to CDC stepped down this week, citing concerns she could no longer support the most vulnerable populations under the new recommendations. At least one state health department has issued a statement continuing to recommend COVID vaccination for children and during pregnancy.

Opinion pieces address COVID vaccine decisions

CIDRAP: Viewpoint: Eroding trust by making COVID vaccine decisions with no transparency (opinion)

STAT: HHS Secretary Kennedy told us not to listen to him. We agree (opinion)

STAT: RFK Jr.’s stance on Covid vaccines for pregnant women is profoundly unethical (opinion)


U.S. Measles Cases Continue Rise, Driven by Falling Vaccinations, Travel-Associated Infections

This year is on track to be the worst U.S. measles year in more than 30 years, fueled by declining vaccination and ongoing outbreaks worldwide, including in neighboring Canada and Mexico. Around 1,160 measles cases in 33 states have been reported in the U.S. this year, with the largest outbreak centered in West Texas. Most infections are among individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

Vaccination rates decline

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, childhood vaccination rates against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) have declined in nearly 80% of the more than 2,000 U.S. counties in 33 states with available data, according to Johns Hopkins University research. The county-level mean MMR vaccination rate in these counties now sits at 91.26%, well below the 95% threshold needed for measles herd immunity.

Travel-associated cases

CDC this week updated its warning about the risk of contracting measles while traveling, recommending all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before international trips. So far this year, the agency has recorded at least 62 reports of travelers who were contagious with measles while flying into or within the U.S. Recent cases in Colorado, New Mexico, and Minnesota were linked to domestic airports and flights, prompting public health alerts for exposed passengers.

Wastewater surveillance program

For the first time, measles is being tracked in U.S. wastewater. The WastewaterSCAN network developed the first national wastewater monitoring program for measles, with the new tool available for use in nearly 150 wastewater treatment facilities across 40 states. So far, the virus has been detected in three sites in Maryland, California, and Connecticut.

[ti-amie]

People from seven countries will have partial restriction: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

I don't know about the other countries, but for Venezuela the ban is for holders of visa types B1, B2, B1/B2, F, M and J. Basically we are all banned from entering the USA.
Because of those pesky Vennie terrorists, bringing arepas and rum to the USA.

Since this is a tennis forum... B1 includes athletes.

I thought athletes were excluded! Aren't the Olympics and World Cup going to be held here?

[dryrunguy]

The NY Times piece I read about the subject stated athletes were excluded. But even good journalists can make mistakes, so...

[ponchi101]

Because you can't believe anything these days, there are some news going around in Vennieland that the order (for Venezuela) is that this applies to NEW visas. People with visas already issued are not included.
Which makes no sense because the WH page says explicitly that visas are SUSPENDED; not that they will not issue new ones.

[mmmm8]

I was just going by visa type and didn't read any other sources, so probably athletes are a special exclusion.

[ti-amie]

Colombian presidential candidate shot in Bogota
By Mauricio Torres and Fernando Ramos, CNN
Updated 8:17 PM EDT, Sat June 7, 2025

CNN
—
Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe has been shot at an event in Bogota, according to Colombian national police.

The mayor of Bogota, Carlos Galán, said Uribe was receiving emergency care after being attacked in the Fontibon district and that the “entire hospital network” of the Colombian capital was on alert in case he needed to be transferred.

The mayor added that the suspected attacker had been arrested.

Colombia’s government has issued a statement condemning the Saturday attack on Uribe.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/07/americas ... intl-latam

[ti-amie]

Colombian presidential candidate shot in Bogota
By Mauricio Torres and Fernando Ramos, CNN
Updated 8:17 PM EDT, Sat June 7, 2025

CNN
—
Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe has been shot at an event in Bogota, according to Colombian national police.

The mayor of Bogota, Carlos Galán, said Uribe was receiving emergency care after being attacked in the Fontibon district and that the “entire hospital network” of the Colombian capital was on alert in case he needed to be transferred.

The mayor added that the suspected attacker had been arrested.

Colombia’s government has issued a statement condemning the Saturday attack on Uribe.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/07/americas ... intl-latam

[ponchi101]

The Colombian police is offering $3,000 million pesos for further information on who hired/paid the minor. (that is about $750K).

[ti-amie]

The Colombian police is offering $3,000 million pesos for further information on who hired/paid the minor. (that is about $750K).

Would you rat on someone knowing some other kid will come after your family? If extradition isn't part of the payout then is it worth it? And how far would that money go?

[ponchi101]

The Colombian police is offering $3,000 million pesos for further information on who hired/paid the minor. (that is about $750K).

Would you rat on someone knowing some other kid will come after your family? If extradition isn't part of the payout then is it worth it? And how far would that money go?

$750K in Colombia will go a long way. Remember, the hitman probably was paid in the thousands.
Yes, anybody with info and willing to come forward could be in peril unless the police and government will be able to relocate them in another country. The family would face danger, but it is complicated. For example, mothers are untouchable. But sure, something to consider.

[ti-amie]

Australia Joins with Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, Spain, South Korea in Cancelling US Trips and Choosing More Easy Trips, The Truth Hidden in Plain Sight
Monday, June 9, 2025

Australia now stands firmly beside Canada, Mexico, Germany, the UK, Spain, and South Korea in a growing movement to cancel trips to the United States. The shift is loud, deliberate, and impossible to ignore. These countries aren’t just reducing travel—they’re choosing easier, safer, more welcoming destinations. And the US once the dream, is now the detour.

Australia is walking away. Canada is turning inward. Mexico is rerouting. Germany, the UK, Spain, and South Korea are all following suit. The travel tides are changing fast.

But why now? Why all at once?

The truth is hidden in plain sight. It’s in the headlines. It’s in the airports. It’s in the anxious conversations of travelers second-guessing their plans.

And now, it’s becoming a global pattern.

This isn’t just a pause. It’s a powerful statement. One that could reshape global tourism—and leave America scrambling to regain the trust it’s rapidly losing.

Why Australians Are Cancelling US Trips and Choosing Safer, Simpler Destinations in 2025
Australia’s love affair with U.S. travel is fading fast. Once a top destination for Aussie tourists, the United States is now facing a major pullback. Flights are being rebooked. Itineraries are being torn up. And travel dollars are being redirected toward countries that feel safer, friendlier, and more predictable.

Australia is now joining Canada and Mexico in a rising wave of traveler withdrawal from the U.S.—and the impact on America’s tourism industry is quickly becoming undeniable.

A Shift Fueled by Fear, Frustration, and Friction
The warning signs have been building for months. Across travel forums, group chats, and travel agencies, Aussies are voicing the same concerns. Getting into the U.S. feels like a gamble. The visa process is stressful. Border experiences are unpredictable. And recent policies have created a climate of anxiety and hesitation.

Moreover, Australia’s travelers are highly informed. They watch the global news, follow political shifts, and study how tourists are being treated. And what they see coming out of the U.S. in 2025 is turning them away.

Aggressive airport checks. Talk of tariffs and trade feuds. Headlines filled with cultural tension. It all adds up. The perception is clear: visiting America no longer feels like a holiday—it feels like a risk.

A Shared Sentiment Across North America
This isn’t happening in isolation. Canadian and Mexican travelers are scaling back trips to the U.S. for many of the same reasons. Whether it’s harsh rhetoric or rising costs, the shift is visible. And now, Australia—a major player in outbound global travel—is following suit.

For the U.S., this trend couldn’t come at a worse time. Just as the industry was inching back toward pre-pandemic levels, international travel is stalling. One market at a time.

The Numbers Reveal a Rapid Drop-Off
According to early 2025 industry forecasts, outbound travel from Australia to the U.S. is down by nearly 18%. That decline is steep—especially considering Australians were once among the highest-spending international tourists in America.

Airlines have begun adjusting their routes. Travel agencies are seeing reduced inquiries. And hotel chains in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando are reporting fewer bookings from Australian visitors compared to previous years.

The decline is not just inconvenient. It’s financially devastating.

A New Aussie Travel Pattern Emerges
While the U.S. struggles to retain interest, other regions are thriving. Japan, South Korea, Italy, Greece, and Portugal are seeing a surge in Australian tourists. Why? The answer is simple: ease, trust, and hospitality.

Japan, for instance, has broken visitor records with Australians in 2024 and is on track to beat them again in 2025. The country actively encourages travel to lesser-known cities, creating experiences that feel personal, immersive, and stress-free.

Meanwhile, European destinations are capitalizing on America’s decline by offering cultural depth, visa-free access, and streamlined travel infrastructure.

Australia’s tourism habits are shifting toward what feels reliable, warm, and welcoming—and the U.S. is being left behind.

Airlines and Tour Operators Feel the Pressure
The consequences of this shift are rippling across the aviation and hospitality sectors. Carriers that rely on long-haul Aussie passengers are adjusting expectations. Travel advisors are modifying their pitch. And American tourism boards are scrambling to contain the narrative.

Campaigns like “Visit the USA” are falling flat in Australia. Instead, travelers are being drawn in by digital influencers, local tour deals in Europe and Asia, and a growing awareness that the U.S. trip they once dreamed of may no longer be worth the cost—or the worry.

Border Control and Visa Anxiety at the Core
Among the biggest deterrents? The entry process itself. Australians are increasingly wary of unpredictable customs experiences. Stories of denied entry, strict inspections, and harsh questioning have created a reputation that’s hard to shake.

In contrast, destinations like Canada and the UK offer smoother arrivals and shorter wait times. These details matter. Especially to families, older travelers, and solo adventurers who value peace of mind.

Travelers don’t just want a destination. They want to feel respected when they arrive. That sense of welcome, once associated with American travel, is quickly fading.

Tourism Fallout in U.S. Cities
The impact is already hitting U.S. cities that depend on international dollars. New York, Los Angeles, and Miami are seeing reduced spending from Australians. Attractions, museums, and retailers that once relied on Aussie foot traffic are seeing revenue gaps.

Worse, this is not just about a single market. With Canadians, Mexicans, and now Australians pulling back, the trend is global. It signals something deeper: America’s image as a traveler-friendly nation is being questioned.

Unless reversed, this could become the new norm—not just a temporary dip.

What Comes Next?
There’s still time to rebuild the relationship. But it will take effort. Softening entry policies, boosting international diplomacy, and refocusing on hospitality could help restore confidence.

Tourism leaders in the U.S. must listen closely. They must understand that trust, once broken, is hard to regain. Especially when travelers have more options than ever.

Until the experience improves—at customs, at airports, and within the broader cultural exchange—Australia, like its North American neighbors, will continue to choose different paths.

The U.S. tourism industry must respond with real change, or it risks watching its most loyal markets vanish, one flight at a time.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news ... ain-sight/

[Owendonovan]

I won't encourage anyone to come here. All the concerns mentioned above are legitimate, you will not feel welcomed upon arrival.

[ponchi101]

I will have to go to the USA sometime next year, if my visa will allow me to by then. My GF, Argentinian, will come with me. But we have agreed that I will travel two days before her, just to make sure that I will be allowed to enter the country.
Again, if my visa will allow me to.

But right now, I know of no one planning to go to the USA. And I agree with that position.

[Suliso]

I know some around here who are planning to go, but it's less common than it used to be for sure. Americans are still traveling to Europe in large numbers, though.

[ashkor87]

A Boeing 'Dreamliner' bound for London has crashed at Ahmedabad (where I lived) - there were 244 people on board and given that it crashed into a building belonging to the local hospital.. many more. The Paris Air Show where Boeing and Airbus will bid for orders from potential customers, is a few days away. I wonder if there is a connection? The plane seemed to lose both engines in a matter of minutes after takeoff - knowledgeable people said it is a very very rare occurrence..it is said to be the first ever crash of a Dreamliner...