Lufthansa Set To Ban Cloth Masks Onboard From February
Lufthansa today revealed that its onboard mask policy is set to become stricter from February 1st. The airline will stop accepting cloth masks, meaning all passengers will have to wear a surgical mask or an FFP2 mask.

When will international travel return? Here's what we know right now
There's hope: Summer vacations abroad may happen in a big way this year. The number of people busting out of their countries will start creeping up this spring and rise higher by mid-year, travel industry experts predict, as vaccines and risk-based safety measures are rolled out more widely and spiking coronavirus cases around the world begin to fall.

COVID-19 Update: COVID-19 Vaccination Information
As COVID-19 vaccines become readily available to the public, you likely have questions about the effectiveness of the vaccine, side effects, the process, and ultimately whether or not you should get it. Assist America has compiled information from multiple reputable sources to provide you with the most useful information to help answer your questions.

The Pandemic Is Shifting How Students Study Abroad
Study abroad was so popular, with more than a quarter million U.S. students heading overseas every year, and the field felt untouchable. Seemingly overnight, it disappeared. “Friends and colleagues were losing their jobs, with no concrete idea of when students will return or how that will look,” says Worthington.

COVID-19 Update: Global Health Passports
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live – from how we conduct business, gather (or don’t gather) with family and friends to how we get our groceries. The travel industry has not been spared and continues to adapt to life during the pandemic. The future of flying will soon require travelers to carry a passport that shows proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The Traveler: November 2020
From helpful information regarding COVID-19 testing procedures and travel certificates, to tips for remaining safe during road trips and family gatherings this holiday season, catch up on global health, security and travel-related topics. Also in this issue, find out how Assist America helped a member who was visiting a cancer patient during the pandemic.

Assist Alert: Philippine Authorities Warn Residents About Tropical Storm Ulysses (Vamco)
Tropical Storm Ulysses, known internationally as Vamco, formed out of a Tropical Depression in the Philippine Sea on Monday, November 9. Ulysses is currently forecast to become a severe tropical storm in the next 24 hours, as it has slowed down in the Philippine Sea and will strengthen further to become a Typhoon on Wednesday, November 11.

Types of COVID-19 Tests
As we resume working and attending school, we need to be cautious about how we deal with the onset of symptoms and what measures to take for prevention and treatment. The first step to taking proper precautionary measures if you suspect infection or had an infection in the past is to get tested for COVID-19 and there are currently a few options available.

Flu Season During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The world has taken incredible strides to control the spread of COVID-19 as we continue to make effective choices about our household’s preventative measures during the pandemic. With the flu season upon us, we must take extra precautions to limit influenza infection and decrease the stress on healthcare workers.

Air Travel High: TSA Screens 1 Million For First Time Since March
Despite a significant rise in COVID-19 cases in many parts of the country, it appears that more people are flying on commercial jetliners than at any time over the last seven months. More than one million people were screened by the Transportation Security Administration at airport security checkpoints since March 16.

COVID-19 Q&A with Assist America Consulting Medical Directors
We recently sat down to talk with Assist America’s Consulting Medical Directors, Dr. Eugene Delaune and Dr. James Evans, who shared their thoughts and expertise on a few questions that demystify many queries and concerns people have about dealing with the onset of COVID-19 symptoms and what measures to take for prevention and treatment as we enter this fall season.

Hundreds of millions of people in China are about to go on vacation at the same time
The eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival break is China's first major holiday since it emerged from the coronavirus outbreak. While life has largely returned to normal in recent months, the upcoming "Golden Week" holiday will be an ambitious test of China's success in taming the virus and a much-awaited boost to its economic recovery.

The Fauci interview: How to 'keep your immune system working optimally,' gather safely, and get by until summer 2022
It's been feeling like everyone is kind of banking on spring 2022 being the end of the coronavirus crisis. People are planning weddings, trips, and belated birthday celebrations. Will we be safe to go party in those ways by summer 2022?

Universal Orlando Theme Parks Hit Capacity This Labor Day Weekend
All three Universal Orlando theme parks quickly reached maximum attendance this Labor Day weekend. Neither theme park resort has revealed what exactly their maximum attendance is under the reduced capacity, but this weekend, Universal Orlando's three parks reached their limits and closed to additional guests early in the day. 

COVID-19 Update: Back to School Amid the Pandemic
For millions of college students around the world, this semester is going to look significantly different than last year. After completely moving to remote learning environments last spring, schools are now welcoming back students on-site or offering hybrid learning experiences. As students return to their campus and start attending class again, Assist America shares tips to ensure a safe and healthy college experience. 

Assessing the Risk of Labor Day Activities During COVID-19
Assist America has created a rating scale for the level of risk associated with popular Labor Day Weekend activities from backyard gatherings to a pool day.  

Airbnb and the National Park Foundation Explore Lesser-traveled Parks
Airbnb is teaming up with the National Park Foundation to help travelers explore nature as well as lesser-known (and less crowded) national parks.The new campaign encourages travelers and nature lovers to visit less traversed national parks that are a short drive from their hometowns.

Assist Alert: Hurricane Laura Upgraded to Category 4 As it Approaches Landfall
Over the last 24 hours, Hurricane Laura’s wind gusts jumped from 75 mph to 140 mph resulting in the storm being categorized as a Category 4 Hurricane.

CDC Doctor Talks Travel Tips Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
As we approach Labor Day Weekend and summer’s last hurrah, many people are once again confronted with the perils of vacationing during a pandemic and the inherent risks that come with travel these days. During a global health crisis and while the CDC does recommend staying at home, they do have guidance on how those who choose to travel can protect themselves.

Virgin Galactic wants to whip passengers across the planet at Mach 3
Virgin Galactic says it has teamed up with Rolls-Royce to develop a new aircraft that could launch passengers to their destinations at up to three times the speed of sound, or 2,300 miles per hour (3,700 kilometers per hour).