State departments

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this week over 100 countries and other areas have been added to the U.S. State Department's "Level 4: Do Not Travel" category, the department's "highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks." That leaves around 50 countries in the lower-level categories, with only Bhutan currently at Level 1, the lowest advisory level where travelers are told to "exercise normal precautions." There are 15 countries in the Level 2 category where Americans are told to "exercise increased caution," while 35 countries come with a Level 3 warning advising travelers to "reconsider travel." Speaking to Newsweek , a State Department official said: "We believe the updated framework will help Americans make better-informed decisions about the safety of international travel. We continue to strongly recommend U.S. citizens reconsider all travel abroad, and postpone their trips if possible. "There are currently no restrictions other than travel to … [Read more...] about The Countries Left Off the ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory List for Americans

close Video Penn Vet doctors train dogs to sniff out coronavirus Penn Vet is working with eight dogs to see if they can discriminate between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative samples. If successful, dog screenings could begin as early as July in places like airports and hospitals. Fox News Digital speaks with Dr. Cynthia Otto, the director of Penn Vet Working Dog Center, to fill us in on their research. More than a dozen dogs in Washington state have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, indicating they were once exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes a COVID-19 infection. Some 23 dogs tested as part of a study by the University of Washington were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, marking the first instance among pets in the state, officials with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) said in a news release. The researchers began their work on the COVID-19 and Pets Study early last year, shortly after … [Read more...] about COVID-19 antibodies found in dogs in Washington state, officials say

The “invisible” 2024 primary to win the Republican Party’s presidential nomination is in high gear with a mini-bus full of wannabees not named Donald Trump. They are raising money, appearing on Fox News, speaking at GOP events — all the usual rituals expected from potential candidates in the permanent campaign more than three years from Election Day. However, there are uniquely historic circumstances surrounding this election cycle due to a question with multi-dimensional answers that every player is forced to contemplate: If the former president runs again, should I drop out or challenge him in a primary fight that could jeopardize my political career? One high-profile contender was quick to answer. On April 12, Nikki Haley Nikki Haley The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - All US adults now eligible for COVID vaccines Parade of 2024 GOP hopefuls court House conservatives Oddsmakers say Harris, not Biden, most likely to win 2024 nomination, election MORE … [Read more...] about If Trump runs again, will he be coronated or primaried?

PANDEMIC’S FINANCIAL IMPACT TESTS EDUCATION SECTOR These are among 1,700 private, small-budget schools across Maharashtra that are unable to sustain operations amid lockdown, coupled with non-payment of fees by parents of students; their association writes to education minister for urgent solution The pandemic has been a long and tough phase across key sectors, of which education is also sorely hit. As this prominently affected sphere continues to sustain shocks from restrictions surrounding the outbreak, it has emerged that the aftermath of the economic impact might lead to some rather long-term damage. Now, according to a letter sent by the Independent English School Association (IESA) to state school education minister Varsha Gaikwad , around 1,700 private, smallbudget schools across the state are on the verge of closing down due to finding themselves in a financially unsustainable fix. Of these, at least 250 schools are in Pune district alone. Master … [Read more...] about 250 schools in Pune may shut, state govt told

TOKYO: Tokyo will not host its motor show this year because of the global pandemic, organizers said on Thursday (Apr 22), underscoring Japan's struggle to contain both a resurgent outbreak and the widening economic fall-out. The cancellation comes as the government is expected to issue a third state of emergency for Tokyo and a number of other prefectures that could last for about two weeks, according to media reports. The halting of the auto show, a marquee event of the country's most important industry, is also likely to raise more questions about the government's insistence that the delayed Tokyo Olympics will go ahead this summer. The chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Akio Toyoda, said the group felt it was difficult to provide a safe environment amid surging coronavirus cases. The show is normally held around late October to early November. Such cancellations are bad news for an economy that, like many around the world, has been badly hit by the … [Read more...] about Tokyo Motor Show cancelled as Japan faces another state of emergency