For more than 20 years Earth Networks has operated the world’s largest and most comprehensive weather observation, lightning detection, and climate networks.
We are now leveraging our big data smarts to deliver on the promise of IoT. By integrating our hyper-local weather data with Smart Home connected devices we are delievering predictive energy efficiency insight to homeowners and Utility companies.
The peak of holiday season is here, with the New Year looming as we prepare to enter 2022 and enter a third year of an unprecedented pandemic. While holiday travel this year is much different than 2020, the emergence of variants have brought a new set of twists to this year's holidays.
First off, the holidays and associated travel brings a risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. Masks and vaccinations remain the two main routes of protection against this virus. The CDC has mandated that masks must be worn on all forms of enclosed public transportation, where social distancing is not an option.
In outdoor settings, masks are no longer required in transportation hubs. However, if not fully vaccinated, it is reccomended that the wearing of masks continues even in outdoor settings.
If your travel plans include international travel, be sure to check your destination country's vaccination and COVID-19 testing requirements prior to arriving at the airport the day of your flight. If entering the United States from a foreign country, you are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test from no more than 1 day before the flight, or provide proof of recent recovery from COVID-19 along with a letter from a healthcare provider clearing you for travel.
The lowest risk for COVID-19 exposure is staying at home and following the same precautions that have kept you safe so far. This includes maintaining social distancing of 6 feet from anyone not in your household, wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth when in public, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, washing hands frequently, and using hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol.
Remember that older people and people with certain underlying medication conditions are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, especially if unvaccinated or if they have not yet received a booster shot. Consider the risk of exposure to yourself and vulnerable relatives when planning your trips. A virtual visit, although not as personal as an in-person holiday visit, is one of the best ways to reduce the COVID-19 risk.
Finally, remember if you must travel, always wear a mask in public and practice safe distancing, wash your hands frequently, do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth and stay home if you are feeling ill or you may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention