Wooden Hanging Mask

One thing I got for the house during my trip to the Bahamas was a wall mask. I picked it up during our stop in Freeport.

The Bahamians have a number of masks available. They have tribal, wooden hanging (such as one I got) and some related to their Junkanoo festivals. 

Above, the hanging wood mask from the Bahamas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like a Tiki mask, but those are associated from the Pacific South Seas in Polynesia. The Bahamas are in the Caribbean in the Atlantic Ocean. 

The mask now hangs in my den. 

 

Masks: "Will Not Reduce The Spread"

Above, lest we forget that Fauci admitted that masks are ineffective.

The media has been reporting upticks in the numbers of new COVID cases, hospitalizations along with deaths.

What people should be on guard about are opportunistic politicians taking advantage and imposing lockdowns and mandates. 

According to Fox News:

Dr. Anthony Fauci in an interview on Saturday spoke about the potential for a return to mask-wearing in America in light of a seasonal uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations.

Now, doctors reached by Fox News Digital are sharing reaction to the comments by the former White House chief medical adviser. 

"I am concerned that people will not abide by [masking] recommendations," Fauci said in the interview.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida, is also the founder of a preventative health care and anti-aging facility, Senolytix. 

In response to Fauci’s comments defending masking, Osborn pointed to "limited efficacy data" for masks — "particularly regarding the large-scale spread of the disease, as was the case during the pandemic," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Let’s face it, regardless of mask usage, the population en masse will be exposed to SARS-COV-2, and its variants, as is the case with influenza," Osborn went on. 

"This is inevitable and independent of quarantines, lockdowns and other measures that only cultivate a sense of false security," he also said. 

Dr. John W. Ayers, PhD, vice chief of innovation in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California San Diego, noted that pre-pandemic, masking was discouraged by experts because the evidence then was negative about the protective effects for the wearer.  

Said Ayers, "Fauci's claims about masking policies, which includes reusable cloth masks and surgical masks, will not reduce the spread of COVID-19."

To read more, go here.

Japan Travel: What To Expect

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan reopened to foreign visitors last fall. There were some changes in procedures and what one has to do to enter the country.

The Thrifty Traveler recently visited Japan and has posted an article with some takeaways on what he found.

The article begins with:

Long after all of Europe, Singapore, and even Australia reopened for international travel, Japan remained closed for international travel for more than two and a half long years. At long last, that all changed in October.

Yes, trips to Japan are officially back on the docket. The country's long-awaited reopening last fall was a pivotal moment in international travel's recovery from the depths of pandemic. More travelers are flocking back to Japan each day or making plans to get there.

What awaits them? I headed for Japan earlier this month to find out firsthand. And while I spent just a few days in Tokyo, I think I can safely say this: Aside from a few relatively minor changes, all the reasons why you want to go (or return) to Japan are still waiting for you.

To read more, go here. 

Navajo Nation Rescinds Mask Mandate

Above, the Hubbell Trading Post clerks (at left) wearing masks in October. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I took my little trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park within the Navajo Nation in October, I had to wear a mask whenever I was indoors in places like the Hubbell Trading Post. It was a good thing I had some in my motorhome.

That was understandable as the Navajo Nation was hit very hard with coronavirus.

All that has come to an end as the new Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has rescinded their mask mandate.

From Breitbart:

The Navajo Nation has rescinded a mask mandate that’s been in effect since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Friday, fulfilling a pledge that new tribal President Buu Nygren made while campaigning for the office.

The mandate was one of the longest-standing anywhere in the U.S. and applied broadly to businesses, government offices and tourist destinations on the vast reservation, which extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. The tribe at one point had one of the highest coronavirus infection rates in the country and among the strictest measures to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Nygren and Navajo Nation Council Delegate Otto Tso, who temporarily is overseeing the tribe’s legislative branch, jointly announced the lifting of the mask mandate on social media Friday evening.

 To read more, go here.

Fauci Lied About Masks

Gee, why am I not surprised?

Japan To Allow Hotels To Refuse Guests Shunning Infection Prevention Measures

Above, Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even though Japan is opening up the country to foreign travelers in three days, the Japanese government has introduced a bill in the Diet allowing hotels to refuse guests who don't comply with infection prevention measures. 

If one is heading to Japan after the bills passes, they'd better pack masks in their luggage.

According to The Mainichi:

TOKYO -- The Japanese government is preparing to allow accommodation facilities to turn away guests who do not comply with infection prevention measures, such as wearing masks, without a valid reason in times of infectious disease outbreaks.

A bill to revise the Hotel Business Act was approved in a Cabinet meeting on Oct. 7, and the government hopes to see it enacted during the ongoing extraordinary Diet session.

In the revision, a new stipulation was created to allow businesses to ask guests to cooperate with infection prevention measures such as wearing masks and measuring their temperatures when there are outbreaks of diseases specified in the infectious disease law, including COVID-19. The bill states that accommodation providers can refuse guests who have fevers or other such symptoms but fail to comply with anti-infection policies without a legitimate reason. It says businesses must not turn away people if they have difficulties wearing masks due to disabilities or allergies.

To read more, go here. 

Video: How To Enter Japan After October 11, 2022

Thanks to the fine folks at Japan-Guide.com, a video on "How To Enter Japan After October 11, 2022" has been posted on YouTube.

It includes information on required documents, masks and fast-track entry.

Here's the video:

Mask Mandates Return To Some National Parks

Above, masks must be worn inside Yellowstone indoor facilities such as Old Faithful Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, here we go again.

Supposedly, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. This is prompting some national parks to reimpose mask mandates on park visitors in indoor facilities. 

According to an article in RV Travel:

If you are planning a trip to a national park, you’d better pack a mask.

Several national parks in the U.S. are now requiring that face masks be worn in all indoor facilities due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. Yellowstone National Park was the latest to institute an indoor mask mandate this week.

The National Park Service (NPS) had already implemented a mask mandate on public transit in all the nation’s parks.

Yellowstone National Park is the fourth park to add the indoor mask requirements. The others area Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Grand Tetons National Park. All visitors must wear a mask indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

To read more, go here. 

Japan: Americans Now Need A $28 Visa To Enter

Above, the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay to Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the pandemic, American travelers to Japan did not have to obtain a visa to enter the country.

All that has changed since the pandemic and Japan is taking baby steps (I refer to them as "Timid Japan" over this) in reopening the country to foreign tourists. 

What else is now required to enter Japan?

From Travel Noire:

Japan is the latest country to ease its borders for at least 98 countries. If you’re heading to Japan from America, you will now need a visa to enter.

Before the pandemic, Americans didn’t pay as they were exempted from leisure travel. But all that has changed and it will cost you $28 for a single visa entry.

And it’s more than obtaining a visa to gain access to the country.

Foreign travelers will also have to obtain private medical insurance that covers medical expenses related to COVID-19. Masks are required, and travelers must be supervised by an organized tour group.

To read more, go here. 

Japan To Ask Foreign Tourists To Wear Masks and Get Insurance

Above, the good ol' days before the pandemic at Toho Studios in Setagaya.

Here's the old "good news, bad news" thing rearing its ugly head.

The good news is that foreign tourists can travel to Japan (with a group tour) again starting Friday. But the bad news is that they will have to follow guidelines of such things as wearing masks and taking out insurance.

Kyodo News reported:

The government said Tuesday it will ask foreign tourists to wear face masks and take out insurance to cover medical expenses in the event they contract COVID-19 as Japan restarts accepting visitors in stages later this week.

The tourism ministry has compiled guidelines for travel agencies and hotels ahead of Friday's resumption of accepting arrivals for the purpose of tourism. Entry will be initially restricted to guided tours from 98 countries and regions presenting the lowest risk of infection, including the United States, Britain, China, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand.

"Understanding of the guidelines and compliance will lead to the smooth resumption of inbound tourism and its expansion," Tetsuo Saito, minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, told a press conference.

Under the guidelines, travel agencies will gain the consent of tour participants to comply with the measures by explaining upon sales or reservation of tours that they will not be penalized for failing to comply but may not be able to take part in tours.

To read more, go here. 

Foreigners Visit "Timid Japan" On Trial Basis

Above, Narita Airport international arrival lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some years back, Japan had travel posters that read, "Discover Japan" and the like. Today, they should issue new posters that read, "Timid Japan".

Japan is now taking "tippy-toe" steps in restarting tourism into the country. Small tour groups are being allowed in with ridiculous restrictions.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- Japan's government on Tuesday started a trial reopening to foreign tour groups, as a first step toward a planned wider relaxation of rules in June, as the country emerges from a long border shutdown due to COVID-19.

The government will draw up guidelines for a safe revival of tourism from information gathered in this trial. However, with only 50 participants in the project, there are worries that there will not be enough data collected, which could delay a full reopening.

Japan has already opened to foreigners, to an extent, with a limit of 10,000 visitors per day but these arrivals tend to be workers and students under special visas.

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of tourists arrived from the U.S. at Tokyo's Narita Airport. They will stay for eight days, taking tours to popular destinations such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture and Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture.

Six travel agents will take a total of 15 groups during the trial period that lasts until early June. Tourists from Singapore, Thailand and Australia are also expected to take part in the project.

Each tour group will comprise up to four people, who will be accompanied by a tour guide.

Nippon Travel Agency will use cars for travel within a prefecture. Tourists will be required to wear face masks on bullet trains.  

These tourists will have their temperatures taken daily. The tour guides will also carry antigen test kits, and if an infection is suspected, arrangements will be made with local medical facilities.

To read more, go here. 

Some Airlines May Offer Refunds For People Scared of Maskless Passengers

Above, during the "heyday" of social distancing air travel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who are afraid of flying with passengers without masks, some airlines may offer them a refund.

Travel + Leisure reported:

One week ago, a federal judge in Florida voided the federal transportation mask mandate and most airports and major airlines in the United States dropped masking requirements. But not everyone may be comfortable taking to the skies without knowing their fellow passengers are masking up.

With passengers in mind, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told the Today Show last week that people who are uncomfortable flying — like parents with young children who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine — may be offered a credit or a refund.

"For customers like that, that are immunocompromised or that have other concerns or issues… we are working with those customers if they really don't want to fly," he said, adding, "if they just really don't ever want to fly again, [we're] actually willing to give them a refund."

Along with United, other airlines that may offer refunds include American, Southwest, Alaska, Delta and others. Some are on a case-by-case basis.

To read more, go here. 

Majority of Americans Favor Mask Mandate On Public Transportation

Above, on board an Amtrak train two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A survey of Americans purportedly shows that a majority favors a mask mandate on public transportation such as planes and trains. I'm not one of them after having to endure wearing a mask on planes and trains.

A federal judge this week voided the mask mandate on public transportation.

Travel Awaits reported:

A majority of Americans favor a mask mandate on airplanes and other forms of public transportation despite a federal judge ending the policy this week.

A survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 56 percent of Americans believe the policy should remain in place.

Just 24 percent are opposed to the policy, and 20 percent are neither in favor nor opposed.

To read more, go here. 

DOJ and CDC To Appeal Voided Mask Mandate Decision

Above, the Albuquerque Sunport terminal. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following does not come as a surprise since liberals despise losing power over people.

Source New Mexico reported:

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m.

The U.S. Department of Justice and CDC released a statement Tuesday evening saying the entities, “disagree with the district court’s decision and will appeal, subject to CDC’s conclusion that the order remains necessary for public health.” NBC News reports that the DOJ will not seek an emergency stay while it appeals the court’s ruling, meaning the mask mandate will not be in effect during the appeals process.

Rail Runner and the Albuquerque Sunport are doing away with mask requirements in keeping with the decision to void the federal mask mandate of yesterday.

To read more, go here. 

Florida Judge Voids Mask Mandate On Public Transportation

Above, yours truly aboard an Amtrak train in 2020.

A Florida federal judge voided the public transportation mask mandate.

This is both a victory for limited government and the constitutional checks and balances the framers intended.

According to AOL News:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials in the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention improperly failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rulemaking.

In her 59-page ruling, Mizelle said the only remedy was to vacate the rule entirely across the country because it would be impossible to end it for the limited group of people who objected in the lawsuit.

The judge said “a limited remedy would be no remedy at all” and that the courts have full authority to make a decision such as this — even if the goals of the CDC in fighting the virus are laudable.

Since I have a trip coming up this year by airplane, this is definitely welcome news. I have flown when the wearing of masks were mandatory for the entire flight. Not fun!

To read more, go here.

CDC Extends Federal Mask Mandate

Above, yours truly at the Albuquerque Sunport. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Here we go again!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (or is it the Centers for People Control and Tyranny?) has extended the transportation mask mandate for two more weeks. Apparently, they think masks are effective. They are as effective as keeping mosquitoes out of your yard with a chain-link fence.

The Epoch Times reported:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended the federal mask mandate for transportation for two more weeks, citing the small recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

The order will remain in place another 15 days, until May 3, to let officials at the agency assess whether the BA.2 virus subvariant drives a fresh wave of cases.

“In order to assess the potential impact the rise of cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, and health care system capacity, the CDC order will remain in place at this time,” the CDC said in a statement.

The order was first imposed in January 2021 and applies to trains, airplanes, and other modes of transportation under purview of federal officials, as well as transportation hubs like airports.

To read more, go here. 

Airline Pilots File Lawsuit Over Mask Mandate

Above, a jet being readied at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

During the past two years, I have flown several times and had to wear a mask during the duration of the those flights, no matter how many hours the flight durations were, and they were miserable experiences. The only times one can remove the mask is while eating or drinking.

Well, commercial airline pilots are getting fed up with the federal mask mandate and have filed suit to end it.

The Epoch Times reported (some snippets):

Hours after the U.S. Senate voted to repeal the federal transportation mask mandate—which the White House quickly threatened to veto—a group of commercial pilots filed the first legal challenge by airline workers to overturn the requirement to wear masks on all public transport.

On March 15, 10 commercial airline pilots from six states filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its parent agency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), asking the court to strike down the federal transportation mask mandate, arguing that it endangers aviation safety.

The complaint was filed the same day the U.S. Senate voted 57–40 to repeal the mask mandate, a move the White House quickly threatened to veto. This is the first legal challenge to the mandate filed by airline workers.

On Feb. 25, the CDC eased indoor masking guidance for the general public. However, the CDC’s update did not change the federal mask mandate on public transportation, which had already been extended multiple times by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The latest extension, announced March 10, orders travelers to keep wearing masks until April 18.

The pilots’ 61-page complaint (pdf) contends “the defendants have acted without statutory authorization or following the rulemaking process required by the Administrative Procedure Act” and that the “mandate also raises serious constitutional concerns” because “Congress never intended for the Executive Branch to have the authority to promulgate this policy–and even if it did, it’s unconstitutional.”

In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration reported there were 5,981 unruly passenger incidents. Of those, 4,290 involved masks. Of the 961 reports of unruly passengers already reported for the first three months of 2022, the FAA said, 635 were related to face masks.

To read the full article, go here.

Hawaii Officially Ends Safe Travel Program

Above, the pool area of the Sheraton Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's some good news for people who are planning to take a vacation trip to Hawaii.

The governor of Hawaii has ended the state's Safe Travels Program as of today.

According to TravelPulse:

Hawaii's governor David Ige has announced that the state's current emergency proclamation will expire on March 25, 2022.

The end of the proclamation means an end to the Safe Travels Hawaii program and the end of the state’s indoor mask requirement. However, the governor noted that the CDC and Dept. of Health continue to recommend mask use while indoors for certain populations.

The governor also noted that businesses have the right to create their own rules to ensure safety for both their customers and their workers.

To read more, go here. 

TSA Extends Mask Mandate Into April

Above, a United Dreamliner jet at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is a good thing that I am not planning on flying anytime soon. The thought of sitting for hours with a mask on is not at all appealing. I've done it.

The TSA (under what authority I have no idea) is extending the mask mandate for planes and other forms of public transportation into April.

According to an article in TravelPulse:

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it would extend the mandatory mask mandate on public transportation until at least April 18.

According to NBCNews.com, government officials from the White House and TSA said they are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a revised policy framework for when the mask mandates can be safely lifted.

The facial covering requirements were set to expire on March 18, but now have been extended for another month. The decision to extend the mandate come as every state has now lifted the protocols or announced plans to drop them in the near future.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Sets Date To Lift Mask Mandates

Above, visitors inside the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The date has been set for when the state of Hawaii lifts its mask mandates.

TravelPulse reported:

Local government officials in Hawaii announced the state would become the last in the United States to lift its mask mandates on March 26.

According to The Associated Press, Hawaii Governor David Ige revealed Tuesday the state’s coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have decreased and the data suggests the numbers will continue to decline.

As a result, Hawaii is the last to drop the indoor mask mandates implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety measures were added in April 2020 and have been in place ever since to protect the local communities.

To read more, go here.