quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
What ever happened to the old saying that it's not how he died, but how he lived. I've got news for the powers at be. We're all going to die sometime. I'm not willing to put my life on hold until they say it's safe for me me live my life.

quote:

Originally posted by vvreddy:
Biden says he's considering lifting travel ban on southern African countries put in place to limit spread of Omicron
https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/21...n-omicron/index.html

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
I have seen his blustering tweets, we all have. It would be a political career ender if he tried another shut down of business in a strong business community that already sees him as Public Enemy No#1. He is a power hungry Dem, but too smart to do it. Lets just wait and see instead of stirring doubt.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Fulson:
I have seen his blustering tweets, we all have. It would be a political career ender if he tried another shut down of business in a strong business community that already sees him as Public Enemy No#1. He is a power hungry Dem, but too smart to do it. Lets just wait and see instead of stirring doubt.

Make no mistake,I want the show to happen. However , given this guys past history and his current comments, it seems that there is a significant question about the matter at bare minimum.

This is the guy who just sued and won over the governor’s mask policy.

quote:

Originally posted by John Richardson:
Biden may be lifting the travel ban on the seven south African countries. If so, it is about time.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news...s-omicron-travel-ban

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by John Richardson:
Biden may be lifting the travel ban on the seven south African countries. If so, it is about time.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news...s-omicron-travel-ban

Clearly, the bans have done nothing to stop the spread.

There are rumors circulating ( in DC) about when the ban will be lifted. The earliest date rumored would make DSC quite the challenge. Not impossible but a major challenge. The latter date being mentioned is after the close of DSC.

Time will tell.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
. . . still have to get the airlines to resume flights.

Travel Restrictions to Be Lifted

Exclusive-U.S. to lift travel curbs on eight African countries - source
© Reuters
By David Shepardson

(Reuters) - The Biden administration will lift travel restrictions on eight southern African countries imposed last month over concerns about the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant, a senior administration official told Reuters.

Foreign nationals who are barred from the United States because they have been in one of the eight countries within the prior 14 days will again be allowed on U.S.-bound flights leaving after 12:01 a.m. ET on Dec. 31, the official added.

The United States on Nov. 29 barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi in an "abundance of caution" over the variant detected in South Africa.

The official said U.S. public health agencies had recommended lifting the travel restrictions because retaining them would have not a significant impact on U.S. cases given the widespread current U.S. transmission, confidence that an Omicron-specific vaccine would not be necessary and that existing vaccines and booster shots are highly effective.

"This travel pause has served its purpose. It bought time to understand the science, it gave time to analyze the variant," the official, who did not want to be identified because the decision has not yet been made public, told Reuters.

"This was not meant to keep Omicron out. We knew we couldn't do that. The point was to reduce the number of cases coming in - in those early days and weeks."

The restrictions have not prevented flights or Americans from returning from southern Africa.

Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Monday that lifting the restrictions was likely "because we have enough infection in our own country... We're letting in people from other countries that have as much or more infection than the southern African countries."

President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was considering reversing the restrictions.

The official emphasized the restrictions were meant to be temporary and lifting them after about a month "sends a pretty clear signal that there's not going to be a significant penalty" for coming forward to disclose new variant information.

The United States had only lifted travel restrictions on South Africa on Nov. 8 put in place since late January to address COVID-19 concerns.

In the wake of Omicron, the United States tightened testing rules for international travelers and extended a requirement to wear masks on airplanes and at airports through March 18.

On Dec. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) toughened testing rules for international air travelers arriving in the United States, requiring them to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within one day of travel.

Under prior rules, vaccinated international air travelers could present a negative test result obtained within three days of their day of departure.

CDC last week started distributing free COVID-19 home test kits to international travelers at several airports. The CDC encourages - but does not mandate - international air travelers to get a new COVID-19 test three to five days after arriving in the United States.

The CDC last month ordered airlines to disclose passenger names and other information about those who have recently been in the eight southern African countries.

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
. . . still have to get the airlines to resume flights.

Travel Restrictions to Be Lifted

Exclusive-U.S. to lift travel curbs on eight African countries - source
© Reuters
By David Shepardson

(Reuters) - The Biden administration will lift travel restrictions on eight southern African countries imposed last month over concerns about the fast-spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant, a senior administration official told Reuters.

Foreign nationals who are barred from the United States because they have been in one of the eight countries within the prior 14 days will again be allowed on U.S.-bound flights leaving after 12:01 a.m. ET on Dec. 31, the official added.

The United States on Nov. 29 barred nearly all non-U.S. citizens who had recently been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi in an "abundance of caution" over the variant detected in South Africa.

The official said U.S. public health agencies had recommended lifting the travel restrictions because retaining them would have not a significant impact on U.S. cases given the widespread current U.S. transmission, confidence that an Omicron-specific vaccine would not be necessary and that existing vaccines and booster shots are highly effective.

"This travel pause has served its purpose. It bought time to understand the science, it gave time to analyze the variant," the official, who did not want to be identified because the decision has not yet been made public, told Reuters.

"This was not meant to keep Omicron out. We knew we couldn't do that. The point was to reduce the number of cases coming in - in those early days and weeks."

The restrictions have not prevented flights or Americans from returning from southern Africa.

Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Monday that lifting the restrictions was likely "because we have enough infection in our own country... We're letting in people from other countries that have as much or more infection than the southern African countries."

President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was considering reversing the restrictions.

The official emphasized the restrictions were meant to be temporary and lifting them after about a month "sends a pretty clear signal that there's not going to be a significant penalty" for coming forward to disclose new variant information.

The United States had only lifted travel restrictions on South Africa on Nov. 8 put in place since late January to address COVID-19 concerns.

In the wake of Omicron, the United States tightened testing rules for international travelers and extended a requirement to wear masks on airplanes and at airports through March 18.

On Dec. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) toughened testing rules for international air travelers arriving in the United States, requiring them to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within one day of travel.

Under prior rules, vaccinated international air travelers could present a negative test result obtained within three days of their day of departure.

CDC last week started distributing free COVID-19 home test kits to international travelers at several airports. The CDC encourages - but does not mandate - international air travelers to get a new COVID-19 test three to five days after arriving in the United States.

The CDC last month ordered airlines to disclose passenger names and other information about those who have recently been in the eight southern African countries.

I was just about to post the notification, but is it too late?

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
I know that many outfitters have already had to make the call on rolling their booth deposits so for them the lifting of the ban does change anything. Not to mention the airlines not having resumed flights yet.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

From what I heard , that was considered by some .

The big question now is the threat level has been raised to red, the highest level . Will that impact those contemplating attending? Will Judge Jenkins place a ban on large gatherings ? Time will tell.

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

From what I heard , that was considered by some .

The big question now is the threat level has been raised to red, the highest level . Will that impact those contemplating attending? Will Judge Jenkins place a ban on large gatherings ? Time will tell.

I cringe watching the local news.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

From what I heard , that was considered by some .

The big question now is the threat level has been raised to red, the highest level . Will that impact those contemplating attending? Will Judge Jenkins place a ban on large gatherings ? Time will tell.

I cringe watching the local news.

I am afraid that COVID will be the norm amongst the hundreds of other viruses that afflict this planet.

quote:

The difference with this virus is the ability to overload the health systems . The numbers are insane locally .

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

From what I heard , that was considered by some .

The big question now is the threat level has been raised to red, the highest level . Will that impact those contemplating attending? Will Judge Jenkins place a ban on large gatherings ? Time will tell.

I cringe watching the local news.

I am afraid that COVID will be the norm amongst the hundreds of other viruses that afflict this planet.

The difference with this virus is the ability to overload the health systems . The numbers are insane locally .

We have plane tickets, hotel rooms, the daily passes and a table for the Weatherby Awards. Yet, we are thinking of bagging it . My wife is immuno compromised. I am pre diabetic. Both in our 60’s.

It is a dilemma.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

From what I heard , that was considered by some .

The big question now is the threat level has been raised to red, the highest level . Will that impact those contemplating attending? Will Judge Jenkins place a ban on large gatherings ? Time will tell.

I cringe watching the local news.

I am afraid that COVID will be the norm amongst the hundreds of other viruses that afflict this planet.

The difference with this virus is the ability to overload the health systems . The numbers are insane locally .

We have plane tickets, hotel rooms, the daily passes and a table for the Weatherby Awards. Yet, we are thinking of bagging it . My wife is immuno compromised. I am pre diabetic. Both in our 60’s.

It is a dilemma.

Larry -

Personally, I agree with you. Is it worth the potential for health complications.

This virus is a chameleon, It seems to act differently in everyone's immune system. I had it back in February. I really wasn't even sure I was sick.

Conversely, I personally know first or second hand, 17 people who have passed. Its no joke.

Because it is so mild to some, yet fatal to others, it has unfortunately, divided society.

Imagine if a Black Mamba bite killed some folks yet other really didn't even know they were bitten. That snake would not have the reputation it has.

My family has chosen to vaccinate. I see it as a personal decision. Do what's right for you. But don't ridicule other for doing what's right for them.

This virus is with us forever. My hope is that every variant gets less lethal that the previous, which is the norm for a virus.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

From what I heard , that was considered by some .

The big question now is the threat level has been raised to red, the highest level . Will that impact those contemplating attending? Will Judge Jenkins place a ban on large gatherings ? Time will tell.

I cringe watching the local news.

I am afraid that COVID will be the norm amongst the hundreds of other viruses that afflict this planet.

The difference with this virus is the ability to overload the health systems . The numbers are insane locally .

We have plane tickets, hotel rooms, the daily passes and a table for the Weatherby Awards. Yet, we are thinking of bagging it . My wife is immuno compromised. I am pre diabetic. Both in our 60’s.

It is a dilemma.

Larry -

Personally, I agree with you. Is it worth the potential for health complications.

This virus is a chameleon, It seems to act differently in everyone's immune system. I had it back in February. I really wasn't even sure I was sick.

Conversely, I personally know first or second hand, 17 people who have passed. Its no joke.

Because it is so mild to some, yet fatal to others, it has unfortunately, divided society.

Imagine if a Black Mamba bite killed some folks yet other really didn't even know they were bitten. That snake would not have the reputation it has.

My family has chosen to vaccinate. I see it as a personal decision. Do what's right for you. But don't ridicule other for doing what's right for them.

This virus is with us forever. My hope is that every variant gets less lethal that the previous, which is the norm for a virus.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
I am sort of like Larry. While I have hotel reservations and have been planning to attend, I still find myself on the fence on attending given the current surge (despite the fact that the risk is pretty moderate being fully vaccinated and boosted) . . . particularly when coupled with the reality that a number of operators, exhibitors and professional hunters will not be attending for various reasons including travel limitations and a number of the usual attendees are not attending for all the foregoing reasons. There will definitely be a bit of a cloud hanging over the convention given the foregoing circumstances. Makes me scratch my head if attending this year makes sense and is really worth it. Of course, I also already have a couple of trips booked in 2022 so I am not actively seeking a booking either.

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:
I totally understand Larry’s predicament and given the current crazy increase in cases in DFW, it’s concerning to me as well, even though I’ve had two doses of Moderna and a booster. A friend spent Christmas in NYC with another couple, all vaccinated and boosted. The male half of the other couple felt bad, tested positive on Wednesday (omicron), went into the hospital Thursday and on ventilator last night. Mid 50’s.
Just no telling how an individual’s body will be affected by this.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:


The difference with this virus is the ability to overload the health systems . The numbers are insane locally .

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Hell, they can all get in through Mexico!

From what I heard , that was considered by some .

The big question now is the threat level has been raised to red, the highest level . Will that impact those contemplating attending? Will Judge Jenkins place a ban on large gatherings ? Time will tell.

I cringe watching the local news.

I am afraid that COVID will be the norm amongst the hundreds of other viruses that afflict this planet.

The difference with this virus is the ability to overload the health systems . The numbers are insane locally .

We have plane tickets, hotel rooms, the daily passes and a table for the Weatherby Awards. Yet, we are thinking of bagging it . My wife is immuno compromised. I am pre diabetic. Both in our 60’s.

It is a dilemma.

Larry -

Personally, I agree with you. Is it worth the potential for health complications.

This virus is a chameleon, It seems to act differently in everyone's immune system. I had it back in February. I really wasn't even sure I was sick.

Conversely, I personally know first or second hand, 17 people who have passed. Its no joke.

Because it is so mild to some, yet fatal to others, it has unfortunately, divided society.

Imagine if a Black Mamba bite killed some folks yet other really didn't even know they were bitten. That snake would not have the reputation it has.

My family has chosen to vaccinate. I see it as a personal decision. Do what's right for you. But don't ridicule other for doing what's right for them.

This virus is with us forever. My hope is that every variant gets less lethal that the previous, which is the norm for a virus.

quote:

Originally posted by 4WD:

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:
I totally understand Larry’s predicament and given the current crazy increase in cases in DFW, it’s concerning to me as well, even though I’ve had two doses of Moderna and a booster. A friend spent Christmas in NYC with another couple, all vaccinated and boosted. The male half of the other couple felt bad, tested positive on Wednesday (omicron), went into the hospital Thursday and on ventilator last night. Mid 50’s.
Just no telling how an individual’s body will be affected by this.

Karl,
Sorry to hear about your friend.
Is your 50 year old friend overweight, diabetic, smoker, or other issues?
We have yet to hear of anyone we know, with both jabs , yet alone the booster too getting that ill. Again sorry to hear of your friend’s condition.