As the highly contagious omicron variant continues to spread, new restrictions have been added to help combat the surge in cases.
Starting Saturday in Maui, visitors coming to the area will have to show proof of a COVID-19 booster (as soon as they are eligible) or negative coronavirus test results if they want to dine indoors or visit bars. Those travelers who are not vaccinated will only be allowed to eat outdoors. The same goes for travelers who are visiting and want to go to gyms in Maui.
“Our rules reflect the changing conditions during this ongoing pandemic, and the need to protect the health and safety of our residents,” Mayor Michael Victorino told USA Today.
Beginning Jan. 15 in France, all travelers who are 18 and over are required to show proof of a COVID-19 booster within five to seven months after receiving their previous dose if they plan on obtaining a French Health Pass, which is a form of a vaccination certificate. It allows entry into museums, bars, and other locations.
Similar rules surrounding the COVID-19 booster shots were also announced in the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has announced the only vaccine certificates that will be accepted are those showing a traveler did receive a booster shot. However, in other parts of Europe, all that is needed to travel is proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
In the United Arab Emirates, the policy on COVID-19 boosters differs widely. While both countries will not require a booster, Dubai residents will have to show proof of a COVID-19 booster if they wish to travel outside the country.
The Centers for Disease Control updated its recommendation for the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine booster, which now includes children 12-17 years of age.
“It is critical that we protect our children and teens from COVID-19 infection and the complications of severe disease. Today, I endorsed ACIP’s vote to expand eligibility and strengthen our recommendations for booster doses,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday.
“We now recommend that all adolescents aged 12-17 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their primary series. This booster dose will provide optimized protection against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. I encourage all parents to keep their children up to date with CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.”
