Lujan Grisham Tests Positive For COVID-19 For 3rd Time

The governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, who shut down the state and destroyed hundreds of businesses and jobs, has tested positive (again!) for COVID-19. Sometimes it is amazing how karma works (and how the so-called vaccine doesn't)!

According to Piñon Post:

In an unexpected turn of events, the Office of Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham confirmed Monday in a press release that the governor has tested positive for COVID-19. The statement noted that Governor Lujan Grisham is currently “experiencing some minimal symptoms.”

Lujan Grisham previously tested positive for the virus in August of 2022 and in November of 2022.

To read the full article, go here. 

Oh-oh!

Above, yours truly with Martin Link last January. Photo by Russell Azbill.

A few minutes ago, I received word that the Martin Link Gallup supper group member Bob Weeks is in the hospital with COVID.  I think he mentioned before that he was vaccinated. 

It was a good thing that I didn't attend Sunday's dinner at his home due to allergy issues, but there is a possibility that those who did may have contracted it. Hopefully not. I was with one attendee's husband today at Denny's. If she got exposed to it, then he may also be exposed to it through his wife. Again, hopefully not.

I don't think that I should be too concerned since I have been fully vaccinated, including two boosters (Pfizer). Generally, symptoms show up anywhere between 3 to 14 days from exposure (give or take). 

Roger, one of our gang in Jamestown, came down with it months ago and we didn't catch it from him. Hopefully, we'll have dodged a bullet again. Knock on wood!

We'll just have to wait and see.

COVID Infection?

Above, aboard the Durango train on August 1.

My ex-roommate Jessica gave me some concerning news last night.

She thinks she contracted COVID at the Albuquerque Sunport and is worried that I may have also gotten exposed to it when I took her there.

She came down sick at about Thursday and her dad has the same symptoms as she did. She's going to be tested today. Her dad was tested positive. This will be his third bout with it.

So far, I feel just fine. It has been since Tuesday since we were at the airport. I doubt I got it since I wasn't around anyone at the airport and five days have gone by.

I am not too worried for myself since I am vaccinated and had two boosters. Jessica was also fully vaccinated with boosters. They won't stop being infected, but will lessen the severity.

UPDATE (8/14/22):

Jessica's test came out positive. She has COVID.

2nd Booster and Llama

Above, Meeko the llama at Nandoh's today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I had to go into Gallup to get my second Pfizer booster and pick up my prescriptions.

That all went smoothly. But on the way back to Jamestown, I noticed soreness and I felt a little "out of sorts". This was the first time this happened. The soreness in my arm usually comes hours after the vaccnation. 

I did make it back to meet up with Victor at Denny's at the Flying J for coffee.

After coffee, I headed home and noticed that Meeko the llama was in Nandoh's yard. It sent him a text to let him know that Meeko was in his yard again and his gate was open. I am guessing he was out riding his Harley.

Later, I got the Jeep out to fill the gas tank at the Flying J. After my five cent per gallon Good Sam discount, the cost per gallon was lowered to $4..579.

Japan To Allow Package Tours Starting June 6

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

The following from the Japan Times may or may not be speculation, but if it is correct, it looks like the planned G-TOUR for this fall qualifies. 

The prime minister is to make the announcement (unless he already has) sometime today.

According to the Japan Times:

The government will allow foreign tourists to enter Japan on package tours from June 6, TV Asahi reported late Wednesday, paving the way for the full resumption of inbound tourism, which has been suspended for more than two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to make the announcement as early as Thursday.

The expected move comes after Japan began a trial of package tours involving foreign tourists on Tuesday. The visitors need to be vaccinated three times, including a booster shot, to participate in the tours, which each consist of a small number of people.

Japan is currently the only Group of Seven country still refusing to allow the normal entry of foreign tourists.

I do wonder, if this is correct, how many in package tour will they allow in? "Small number", what do they mean by that?

To read more, go here. 

UPDATE:

Tour groups will be allowed into Japan on June 10, it has been announced.

Japan Letting In Foreign Tourists This Month On Trial Basis

Above, small group tours like G-TOUR will be allowed in Japan this month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is starting to allow foreign tourism this month by allowing small organized group tours from several countries, including the United States. I guess you may call this a "tippy-toe" step on Japan's part.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

Japan this month will allow foreign tourists to enter the country for the first time since early 2020, when the border was closed to such travelers to prevent novel coronavirus infections.

On a trial basis, small group tours will be allowed into Japan from four countries: the United States, Australia, Thailand and Singapore.

“We will move forward with the plan while trying to achieve a balance between socio-economic activities and anti-coronavirus measures,” tourism minister Tetsuo Saito said at a news conference on May 17.

The four countries are not on the Japanese government’s list for tightened border control against novel coronavirus variants. The government also said the infection situations in those countries have stabilized.

The entering tourists must be triple vaccinated and will be accompanied by tour conductors from travel agencies.

It looks like this year's G-TOUR can proceed if all works out with this trial.

To read more, go here. 

FDA Approves 2nd Booster

This shouldn't be much of a surprise to those of us who have been paying attention. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized a second COVID-19 booster.

I had the first booster in October. I am not sure if I am getting a second one. I'll have to mull it over.

According to the Gateway Pundit:

The Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday that it authorized another Covid-19 booster shot of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for people 50 and older and certain immunocompromised individuals.

That means four doses of the mRNA vaccine within a 2-year span. Is this the beginning of annual Covid shots?

To read more, go here.

New Pfizer CEO: 4th Booster "Is Necessary"

Here we go again.

The Pfizer CEO is now saying that a fourth booster shot is necessary to keep hospitalizations more manageable and sickness more mild.

In the interests of full disclosure, I had my third Pfizer booster last October.

From The Hill:

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said on Sunday that a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be necessary to continue to help keep hospitalizations manageable and sicknesses more mild. 

"Right now, the way that we have seen, it is necessary, a fourth booster right now. The protection that you are getting from the third, it is good enough, actually quite good for hospitalizations and deaths," Bourla said while appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation."

"It's not that good against infections but doesn't last very long. But we are just submitting those data to the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], and then we will see what the experts also will say outside Pfizer," he added.

In August, the FDA fully approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for people at least 16 years old or older. A third dose of Pfizer's vaccine has been granted emergency use authorization.

Bourla told CNBC on Saturday of his company's plans to submit data for a fourth COVID-19 dose.

What's next? Quarterly boosters?

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Abandons Plan To Add Booster Requirement

Above, visitors no longer have worry about getting a booster to go to Hawaii. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like the state of Hawaii will not be requiring a booster shot to be considered as fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The idea was floated for weeks by Hawaiian officials, but has abandoned it.

USA Today reported:

Want to visit Hawaii without taking a COVID test or quarantining? Flash your COVID-19 vaccination card. And, no, you won't have to be boosted to be considered fully vaccinated.

The state, which has had the most strict entry program in the country since reopening in October 2020, decided against adding a booster requirement, Gov. David Ige said Tuesday.

Ige had repeatedly said the idea was on the table, going so far as to tell at least one mayor the target date to implement the program was Feb. 18 and have officials start tweaking the website where travelers upload vaccination information.

To read more, go here. 

Countries Requiring COVID-19 Boosters

International travel (well, travel in general) is dicey right now at best.

Last year, we were told that two vaccine jabs would fully vaccinate us from COVID-19. Now they're saying that boosters are needed.

Some countries are now requiring booster shots for travelers in order for them to be fully vaccinated and allowed in.

TravelPulse has a list of countries requiring boosters.

They begin with:

Remember when we thought getting two COVID-19 jabs would render us safe and free to travel the world again? Not so, it seems. As the pandemic wears on and the virus mutates in ways no one could predict, the situation calls for more.

At least, that seems to be the belief among several foreign countries that have in recent weeks begun requiring international visitors to show proof of a booster shot in addition to their original COVID-19 vaccine series. Travelers with upcoming plans may find that the definition of “fully vaccinated” has suddenly been altered.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii: Booster Shot Requirement May Be Added

Above, a luau dancer in Honolulu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning to vacation in Hawaii this year, they may have to have a booster shot to be allowed into the islands.

Travel Pulse has posted an article that Hawaii is possibly targeting a booster requirement on February 18.

They reported:

Hawaii is looking at February 18 as a possible target date for adding a booster shot as a requirement to its Safe Travels Hawaii and Safe Access Oahu programs, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told KHON television.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige suggested as recently as a week ago that the booster would be added to the program adopted by the state to help stem the tide of COVID-19 transmission. That would also include any tourists visiting Hawaii.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Checklist To Re-Enter Japan From Overseas

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

Sooner or later (more likely later), foreign visitors will be allowed back into Japan for vacationing. When that happens, there will be a few things travelers will need to do and have to be admitted into the country.

Time Out Tokyo has posted a checklist of those things that travelers will likely need.

They begin with:

These days, travel requires more than just your passport and airline ticket. Covid-19 has made travelling internationally a tedious task, with many documents now compulsory for
exiting and entering countries around the globe – and Japan is no exception.

For a smooth trip and easy return, we've pulled together this checklist of all the documents you'll need when returning to Japan. Do note that rules and restrictions are subject to sudden change, so you'll want to confirm all the requirements of your specific airline – and any special rules that may apply depending on the country or region you’re arriving from – through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Fauci Says He Would Support Vaccine Mandate For Domestic Flights

Above, Magic Valley Regional Airport in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As if we aren't mandated to death already.

Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would support a domestic air travel mandate to get more people to be vaccinated.

Forbes reported:

In a recent interview with ABC News, Dr. Anthony Fauci said he would be in favor of a vaccine requirement for all U.S. citizens on domestic flights.

The comments come at a time when the Omicron variant is busy spreading like a wildfire around the globe, prompting waves of new travel restrictions in many destinations, including Puerto Rico, Thailand, and much of Europe.

Fauci said that his support for such a mandate is more about supporting legislation that encourages people to get vaccinated rather than in-air safety. 

Fauci told ABC News. “Anything that could get people more vaccinated would be welcome.”

"But,” he added, “with regard to the spread of virus in the country, I mean, I think if you look at wearing a mask and the filtration on planes, things are reasonably safe.”

 To read more, go here.

Pfizer, BioNTech Vaccine Neutralizes Omicron With Three Shots

Praise the Lord!

It appears that I am well-protected from the Omicron variant of coronavirus, if the following is to be believed.

Reuters reported that three doses of the Pfizer vaccine is enough to neutralize the Omicron variant, according the lab tests.

They reported:

Dec 8 (Reuters) - BioNTech and Pfizer (PFE.N) said on Wednesday a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine was able to neutralise the new Omicron variant in a laboratory test and they could deliver an Omicron-based vaccine in March 2022 if needed.

In the first official statement from vaccine manufacturers on the likely efficacy of their shot against Omicron, BioNTech and Pfizer said that two vaccine doses resulted in significantly lower neutralising antibodies but that a third dose of their vaccine increased the neutralising antibodies by a factor of 25.

I had my initial Pfizer vaccinations in February and got the booster in October. I had no ill effects each time, save for a sore arm at the vaccination site.

To read more, go here. 

Omicron Variant: What Travelers Need To Know

Above, a half-empty plane during the height of the pandemic. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What I am reading so far about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the symptoms are mild in comparison the the initial virus and the Delta variant.

Still, whether or not the symptoms are mild, precautions should be taken, especially while traveling. 

TravelPulse has posted an article on what we know and what we don't know about the variant.

They begin it with:

The Omicron variant is the newest COVID-19 variant to gain worldwide attention when it was discovered last week, prompting governments worldwide to close international travel to and from Southern African countries, its region of origin.

Already, the U.K. changed its entry requirements for all international travelers, requiring a rigorous testing regime and a self-isolation period. Four of the nation’s largest airports are screening for the Omicron variant among international travelers, while the Biden administration has extended its mask mandate for federal transportation through March 2022 as well as new COVID-19 testing requirements for inbound international travelers.

Those new requirements will take effect beginning December 6, 2021.

“This new variant is cause for concern, but not panic. We knew there would be cases of Omicron here in the States, and it’s here,” said President Joe Biden. “But we have the best tools: the best vaccines in the world, the best medicine and the best scientists in the world.”

The World Health Organization also issued a revised travel advisory recommending that all travelers over the age of 60, the unvaccinated and those with underlying health conditions that could heighten the severity of COVID-19 to postpone travel for the near future.

So what do we know about Omicron so far, and how will it affect your travel plans?

To read more, go here. 

COVID-19: Russia's Daily Deaths Hit New Record High

Above, St. Petersburg, Russia. Photo by Asya.

There seems to be a new surge of coronavirus infections and deaths around the world. One has to take that with a "grain of salt" as much of the hysterical media cannot be trusted these days, which is unfortunate. 

Nikkei Asia has posted a "round-up" of coronavirus-related news from around the world.

The start it with:

Nikkei Asia is tracking the spread of the coronavirus that was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Cumulative global cases have reached 256,121,417 according to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. The worldwide death toll has hit 5,133,242.

For more information about the spread of COVID-19 and vaccination progress around the world, please see our interactive charts and maps.

On Russia, they posted:

6:00 p.m. Russia reports 1,254 coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, a record daily high that follows a surge in cases. The government coronavirus task force also reports 37,156 nationwide infections, including 3,371 in Moscow, down from a peak of 41,335 recorded on Nov. 6.

I forwarded the link to this to Asya in St. Petersburg, Russia.

To read more, go here. 

Pfizer Hid From Public The Number of Deaths In COVID Clinical Trials

Back in February, I got the Pfizer vaccine (two separate shots).

Last month, I got the Pfizer booster shot.

Each were my choice and not from any government pressure. And, each time, the only reaction I had was soreness at the injection sites (I switched arms in February).

Well, there were some who were not so lucky and it was announced by Pfizer that only 15 people died during the clinical trials.

That wasn't the truth. The actual number of deaths were a little higher.

From The Gateway Pundit:

Pfizer lied about the number of individuals who died during thir COVID vaccine trials.

The actual number of deaths during the clinical trials was 21 not 16 as was originally reported.

This was four more deaths than the clinical trials control group.

So Pfizer lied about their deadly trials and just reported their greatest earnings ever.

When do the arrests start?

To read more, go here. 

Well, Blow Me Down, Olive! COVID-19 Vaccines Through Spinach

For those of you wimps out there who refuse to get an injected vaccination, scientists are working on getting the vaccine into you through spinach, lettuce and other edible plants.

According to a Gateway Pundit article:

Millions of people who have refused to get an experimental mRNA vaccine may soon be forced to consume the gene therapy in their food.

Researchers at the University of California were awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation developing technology that infuses experimental mRNA Covid-19 vaccines into spinach, lettuce and other edible plants.

The team of nanobiotechnology experts is currently working on successfully delivering DNA containing mRNA BioNTech technology into chloroplasts, the part of the plants that instruct its cells’ DNA to replicate the vaccine material.

The researchers are tasked with demonstrating the genetically modified plants can produce enough mRNA to replace Covid jabs and infuse the plants with the right dosage required to eat to replace vaccines.

If this works, not only would you become as strong a Popeye the Sailor, you will get hair on your chest (well, that's what parents used to say) and get vaccinated!

Well, blow me down, Olive!

To read more, go here. 

Foreign Citizens Seek US-Approved Vaccines As Travel Resumes

Above, Asia Lipovetckaia and Armand at the 2016 portrait unveiling party at the Odyssey Restaurant. Photo by Lori Thornhill.

As the U.S. is opening up to foreign travelers, many of them are in a quandary. The vaccine they received, such as Sputnik V, is not recognized by the Food and Drug Administration. In order to be allowed in, they must be vaccinated with FDA-approved vaccines.

KRQE reported:

Starting Monday, the United States plans to reopen to foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. But there’s a catch: non-immigrant adults need to have received vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration or which received an emergency use listing from the World Health Organization.

That leaves many hopeful travelers across the globe who taken full courses of vaccines widely used in other parts of the world — Sputnik V and the China-produced CanSino jab, in particular — scrambling to get reinoculated with shots approved by U.S. authorities.

Two other Chinese vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac, have been approved by the WHO and will thus be accepted for travel into the U.S.

While Sputnik V is used in around 70 countries worldwide, it has still not been approved by either the FDA or the U.N. health agency. Nearly 1 million people have received the vaccine in Hungary, a Central European country of around 10 million.

Hungary was one of only two countries in the 27-member European Union to roll out the Russian vaccine. Fewer than 20,000 people received it in Slovakia.

Citizens of Russia, where use of Sputnik V is most widespread, also are seeking Western-approved shots so they can travel abroad. Faced with the prospect of being turned away from flights, Russians have booked tours to Serbia, which has authorized use of the Pfizer-BioNTech, China’s Sinopharm and the AstraZeneca vaccines in addition to Sputnik V.

Russia, which unveiled Sputnik V with much fanfare as the world’s first registered vaccine in August 2020, criticized U.S. plans to leave the vaccine off its list of approved shots.

Artist Asia Lipovetckaia of St. Petersburg, Russia was planning to come to New Mexico for a 2-3 week visit, but the pandemic hit and those plans had to be scrubbed. She can come to the U.S. if she gets vaccinated by a FDA or WHO-approved vaccine. She could go to Serbia to get it as the above article stated. To date, she has not been vaccinated.

To read the full article, go here.

When You're Fully Vaccinated

Two weeks have passed since I received my Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot.

I became curious about the vaccine and booster and decided to check the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.

In a nutshell, in regards to the vaccine, the CDC says:

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can do things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

These recommendations can help you make decisions about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They are not intended for healthcare settings.

In general, people are considered fully vaccinated: ±

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 

• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

 In regards to the booster (from Johns Hopkins Medicine):

What is a COVID-19 vaccine booster?

A COVID booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. Typically, you would get a booster after the immunity from the initial dose(s) naturally starts to wane. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer.