Do not travel to India due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism.

On April 28, 2021, the Department approved the voluntary departure of family members of U.S. government employees.

U.S. citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options.     

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for India due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in India.

Do not travel to:

• The state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict.

Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas. Read the country information page.

Read the country information page.

If you decide to travel to India:

• See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19. 
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.   
• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers.
• Review your personal security plans, and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for India.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations, including emergency medical situations related to COVID-19. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

State of Jammu and Kashmir

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

India-Pakistan Border

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Northeastern States

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Central and East India

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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Researchers around the world have wasted no time in the race to find a vaccine to combat COVID-19. Months into the pandemic, several vaccine candidates are in late-stage clinical trials to test how well they protect people from a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. And experts predict that by the end of 2020 or early in 2021, a safe and effective option will emerge.

“This is the scientific world working at warp speed,” Barry Bloom, a professor of immunology and infectious diseases and former dean at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a Sept. 15 webinar.

Beyond the development of the medicine itself, efforts to speed up vaccine manufacturing and distribution are also in place. Here’s a look at the coronavirus vaccine prospects and the progress being made on them.

What, exactly, is a vaccine?

A vaccine is something that helps a person build up immunity to an infectious disease. It works by intentionally introducing the body to an inactive form of a disease-causing germ, or something similar to it. This then stimulates the immune system’s production of antibodies, the proteins that help to protect the person from a future infection if they ever come across the real germ.

Think of it like a workout for your immune system: You’re “sending it to the gym and preparing it to be able to do something when it encounters the real thing in the future,” says Tony Moody, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics and immunology at Duke University School of Medicine and a principal investigator at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute. “Essentially, what a vaccine is doing is teaching the immune system how to handle something before you actually encounter the real thing — so that, hopefully, when you do encounter the real thing, you’re able to deal with it quickly and get rid of it.”

In the case of the new coronavirus, a vaccine would make a person resistant to an infection from the virus and the illness it causes — COVID-19 — or, at the very least, make it so that a person who becomes infected has “a shorter course [of disease] or not as many complications,” Moody adds.

Which coronavirus vaccines are leading the pack?

Two are considered the frontrunners in the U.S.: a vaccine from Moderna and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and one from Pfizer and BioNTech.

What makes these vaccines special? The companies behind both vaccines report they are highly effective at preventing COVID-19 in clinical trial participants. Pfizer/BioNTech announced on Nov. 18 that its trial has met all of the required safety and efficacy endpoints and that its two-dose vaccine is 95 percent effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose. (In adults 65 and older, the vaccine was found to be 94 percent effective at preventing COVID-19.) An interim analysis of Moderna’s phase 3 clinical trial found its vaccine to be 94.5 percent effective at preventing COVID-19. It’s important to note, however, that the data from both trials has not been peer-reviewed. 

Pfizer has submitted its coronavirus vaccine to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA). The agency is expected to meet with an advisory committee to discuss the vaccine candidate on Dec. 10. Moderna expects to file for EUA in the coming weeks, once it meets all of its safety and efficacy endpoints.

What is emergency use authorization?

An EUA is a green light, of sorts, from the FDA. It is not the same as official approval.

During a public health emergency, such as the coronavirus pandemic, the FDA can authorize previously unapproved medical products to diagnose, treat or prevent the illness of concern in a timely manner when there are no other approved or available alternatives. The EUA process is faster than standard FDA approval, which can take six to 10 months. However, data proving safety and effectiveness are still required for authorization, and the FDA and an advisory committee of experts use this data to weigh the risks and benefits of the product in question.  

What other vaccines hold promise?

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are two of four vaccines in the third phase of testing in U.S. trials. The others include one from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford, and another from Johnson & Johnson.

A phase 3 trial is when researchers study the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine candidates against a placebo in a large population (more than 30,000 volunteers in the case of these vaccine trials). A phase 3 trial also allows researchers to see how well these vaccines work in populations that are most likely to get severely ill from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, including older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and racial and ethnic minorities, who have higher rates of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

“Because if the vaccine can’t work well in the people who need it the most, then obviously we need a better vaccine or a different strategy,” says Jesse Goodman, M.D., director of Georgetown University’s Center on Medical Product Access, Safety and Stewardship (COMPASS) and former chief scientist at the FDA.

The vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer utilize a new technology, known as mRNA, which introduces a genetic code the body can use to make its own viral protein to induce an immune response. AstraZeneca’s vaccine uses a nonreplicating chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to stimulate an immune response, and Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose vaccine is made from a genetically modified adenovirus.

Just because these four are leading the pack, however, doesn’t mean the other vaccine candidates out there — all 234, according to the Milken Institute’s vaccine tracker — are out of the race. Eight additional vaccines are also in phase 3 trials around the world, a database maintained by the New York Times shows, and more than 50 others are in phase 1 and 2 studies, some of which employ “more traditional technologies that are used in currently approved vaccines,” Goodman explains.

Can more than one vaccine candidate work and be authorized or approved?

Absolutely. “In fact, it’s highly desirable,” says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor of preventive medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, because that would mean “there would be more vaccine manufacturers working to actually produce the vaccine, and so we could more expeditiously try to vaccinate the population in the United States and beyond.”

Kathleen Neuzil, M.D., professor in vaccinology and director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, echoes Schaffner’s sentiment and points to the flu vaccine for comparison: There are multiple formulations on the market, including the injectable high-dose vaccine and the nasal spray vaccine, for example, which are recommended for different populations.

“We really need every person on earth, theoretically, to be able to receive this vaccine. So, to me, [having more than one option] is a positive, because we need so much,” she adds.

When will the other coronavirus vaccines apply for EUA?

It’s hard to pinpoint when a vaccine candidate will be ready to apply for FDA authorization — that all depends on when scientists are able to collect enough data from the phase 3 clinical trials to know whether the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing a coronavirus infection or decreasing its severity in at least 50 percent of vaccine recipients. (The 50 percent efficacy standard was set by the FDA in June. For comparison, the influenza vaccine is between 40 percent and 60 percent effective.)

One thing that could delay the process: the rate at which clinical trial participants get infected. In order for the trials to show that a vaccine candidate works, some participants need to contract the coronavirus out in the community. (They are not being introduced to SARS-CoV-2 in the lab.) “The end point is the number of people who get sick; it’s not a calendar date,” Harvard’s Bloom says.

As Schaffner points out, the population that typically volunteers for clinical trials is the same population that is more likely to adhere to public health guidance put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “They’re usually the type of people who, in the COVID era, are being very careful. They’re social distancing; they’re wearing masks. They don’t go out to restaurants; they haven’t traveled,” he says. “And some of us think that these trials may have to run a little longer than people anticipated for just that reason. Because the volunteers tend to be very careful people.”

An adverse reaction to a vaccine candidate could also slow the process. Both AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson paused their phase 3 trials to investigate a participant who may have experienced a complication from the vaccine. (The two companies have since resumed research.) Bloom says while this delays things a little bit, “it proves that the system is working.” Pointing to the trial’s safety measures in place, he adds, “It is exactly what should be done when anybody is sick.”

When will a vaccine be available to the public?

As soon as possible. In a Sept. 16 hearing before a Senate committee, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield, M.D., said once the FDA green-lights a vaccine, the government “wants to be in a position to distribute it within 24 hours.”

When the FDA issues an EUA for the vaccine, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will quickly hold a public meeting to review the vaccine’s data and then vote on whether to recommend the vaccine. The ACIP will also specify who should receive it, based on the data collected in the trials.

If initial supplies are limited, the ACIP is considering four groups to recommend for early COVID-19 vaccination until there’s enough vaccine for everyone:

• Health care personnel
• Workers in essential and critical industries
• People at high risk for hospitalization or death from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions
• People 65 and older

Experts have made predictions on when the vaccine will be more widely available to the general public. The CDC’s Redfield estimates it will likely take “six to nine months to get the American public vaccinated.”

How will the vaccine be distributed?

The federal government is overseeing the distribution and tracking of coronavirus vaccines in the U.S., and the CDC is working with state, tribal, territorial and local jurisdictions for vaccine plans in their respective areas. The government is also partnering with private companies to ensure high-risk individuals can easily access a vaccine when one is available.

All vaccines will be ordered through the CDC; much of the vaccine manufacturing and stockpiling is happening at the same time as late-stage clinical trials so that if/when a vaccine receives FDA authorization or approval, the medicine will be ready to roll out to the public. 

Ensuring there is proper transportation and storage for the vaccines is part of this planning process. Both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines require cold storage at specific temperatures — Pfizer’s more so than Moderna’s — meaning pharmacies and clinics throughout the U.S. will need to be equipped with specialized freezers and refrigerators to keep the medicines stable.

Ordering the supplies needed to vaccinate millions of Americans is another key part of the distribution planning process, as is scaling up safety surveillance and monitoring for long-term effectiveness.

“I think in the beginning, it’s going to be very, very challenging,” Harvard’s Bloom said about the vaccine distribution process. “But by the end of the spring, if not well before then, this should be running smoothly,” pending any technical glitches.

How much will the vaccine cost?

The goal: Nothing. The federal government has prepurchased hundreds of millions of vaccine doses with taxpayer money, and these will be given to Americans at no cost, according to the CDC.

Vaccine providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot, but this fee should be covered by public or private insurance, or by a government relief fund for the uninsured.

If a vaccine is not 100 percent effective, can I still get COVID-19?

That may be the case, although more details on the vaccine’s effectiveness — especially in subpopulations — should emerge in the third phase of clinical trials and in posttrial surveillance. And “that’s something that the recipients will have to understand when they get the vaccine,” Schaffner says. “The vaccine provides protection, but it won’t be like a suit of armor.”

His main message: Just because you roll up your sleeve and get the shot doesn’t mean you can throw away your mask and disregard other prevention efforts such as social distancing and handwashing. Those will be crucial “for quite some time” in order to get control over the virus, Schaffner says.

Another consideration: An approved vaccine will likely require two doses, several weeks apart, which will stretch out the time before it is effective in recipients. (Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose vaccine candidate is the exception.) The duration of immunity from the vaccine is also unclear at this point. “It’s possible people will need boosters before we’re done with all this,” Goodman adds.

Why does the vaccine development process take so long?

Though timelines may seem long and “frustratingly inefficient,” the speed at which the coronavirus vaccine process is moving is unprecedented, says Duke’s Moody.

Vaccine development typically takes 10 to 15 years, and the fastest vaccine created thus far was for mumps — that process took four years. What’s more, after a vaccine is approved, it can take months to years to scale up manufacturing and production for widespread distribution. The U.S., however, already has a head start on this.

“I think it’s really important for people to understand that the response to this pathogen has been faster than any other pathogen in history,” Moody says. “The fact that you had a virus that was first reported in China in December, and by March we were already talking about setting up a phase 1 trial … I think the speed of the response, both by the medical community and by everyone else, is actually pretty astonishing.”

What if scientists don’t come up with a coronavirus vaccine that works?

That’s unlikely at this point, but it is a possibility. And that’s why it’s important to pursue treatments for COVID-19, as well, Moody says.

“If we had sort of the Tamiflu equivalent for coronavirus where you could be exposed and take Tamiflu and be protected, or you could get early disease and it could attenuate the disease or shorten the course, that would be great,” Moody says of the antiviral treatment for influenza. “There’s a lot of work being done there. And I think all of that work needs to proceed as well.”

The FDA has so far approved the antiviral drug remdesivir for treatment of some patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The agency has also issued an EUA for convalescent plasma to treat people who are hospitalized with the illness and for bamlanivimab, a monoclonal antibody therapy to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 in nonhospitalized patients.

The World Health Organization has also published guidelines that recommend the use of inexpensive and common corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with severe cases of COVID-19. The guidelines come after an analysis of several clinical trials found that corticosteroids cut the risk of death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The new guidelines, however, emphasize that steroids should not be used to treat patients with mild symptoms of the disease.

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As communities lift stay-at-home restrictions, it’s important to keep taking steps to protect yourself from COVID. Find out how to safely travel, visit restaurants, go to the gym and more during the reopening.

If coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stay-at-home restrictions are easing in your community, you might wonder how to visit public places and protect your health. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you head out

Follow guidance where you live. In the U.S., activity restrictions vary among cities and states. Before you head out, check your city or state health department’s website for information about local restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the COVID virus.

The best way to protect yourself from the coronavirus is to avoid exposure. If you go out, wear a cloth face covering. Keep a distance of about 6 feet (2 meters) from others if COVID is spreading in your community, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness. Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms. Also, avoid large events and mass gatherings.

In addition, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

If you feel sick, stay home. Don’t visit public areas unless you’re going to get medical care. Avoid taking public transportation if you’re sick.

And if you’re at higher risk of serious illness, don’t head out into the community just yet. It’s safer to stay home. If other members of your household return to work or visit places where social distancing isn’t possible, it’s recommended that they isolate themselves from you.

Safety tips for public places

Beyond taking general precautions to prevent COVID, consider specific safety tips for visiting different public places.

Traveling

Before traveling check the websites of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for health advisories and self-quarantine requirements. Consider checking the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s website and your airline’s website for additional guidance.

Consider the risks associated with different types of travel. There might be a risk of getting the COVID virus on a crowded flight if other travelers on board are infected. On a bus or train, sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a prolonged period can put you at risk of getting or spreading COVID. Traveling by car or recreational vehicle often involves stops that could put you in close contact with infected people.

If you’re planning on booking a hotel room, check the hotel’s website to learn about precautions being taken and if amenities, such as the gym or restaurant, will be open. Bring cleaning supplies with you. When you get to your room, disinfect all high-touch surfaces, such as light switches, sink faucet handles, door knobs and the remote control. Wash plates, cups or silverware (other than pre-wrapped plastic) before using. Also, confirm the hotel’s cancellation policy before making a booking.

Restaurants

Before you eat at a restaurant, check the restaurant’s COVID safety practices. Are the employees wearing cloth face coverings, regularly disinfecting high-touch surfaces and practicing social distancing? Is there good ventilation? Are tables set far enough apart from each other to allow for social distancing? Is the menu digital or disposable?

Ideally, the restaurant won’t offer salad bars, buffets and drink-filling stations that require people to use common utensils or dispensers. These things are conducive to the spread of COVID. If you need to wait in line for service, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) from others. If possible, use touchless payment.

When ordering takeout, try to pay online or over the phone to limit contact with others. If you’re having food delivered, ask for it to be left outside your home in a safe spot, such as the porch or your building’s lobby. Otherwise, stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from the delivery person. If you’re picking up your food at the restaurant, maintain social distancing while waiting in the pickup zone. After bringing home your food, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

Places of worship

Before going to a place of worship, check to see if the size of gatherings is being limited and how that might affect your visit. Seek out services held in large, well-ventilated areas. Continue social distancing during services.

Also, avoid contact with frequently touched items, such as books. Place any donations in a stationary collection box. If food is offered at an event, look for pre-packaged options.

Gyms

Gyms are ideal environments for the spread of germs and diseases like COVID. Before going to the gym, call to see if it’s limiting how many members are allowed in at the same time. You might have to reserve a block of time in advance, with staff cleaning the facility between blocks. Ask about the facility’s cleaning and disinfecting policies and whether you’ll be able to use the locker room or bathroom. If you are interested in group exercise classes, ask if they are being offered.

Your gym will likely enforce social distancing by blocking access to every other cardio machine or by putting up barriers around equipment. Follow the gym’s guidelines and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other members. Clean equipment before and after using it. Some equipment that’s difficult to clean, such as foam rollers and yoga blocks, might not be available.

If you’re at higher risk of serious illness, you might consider waiting to return to the gym. Ask if your gym offers virtual classes or training.

Salons

When making a hair or nail appointment, ask about safety measures. You might be required to attend your appointment alone, wash your hair at home to reduce traffic near the shampoo area, and wait in your car or outside until your appointment begins. In addition, you might ask whether the salon is offering blow drying. Eliminating blow drying could reduce the risk of spreading the COVID virus.

Ideally, the salon will stagger appointments to limit how many people are in the facility at the same time. You might ask about the salon’s disinfecting practices. Is the staff regularly wiping down high-touch surfaces? Are chairs and headrests disinfected after they are used? Is the staff wearing cloth face coverings and regularly washing their hands? Are they wearing single-use gloves for nail and facial work? Also, look for touchless payment options.

Grocery stores

Before going to get your groceries, consider visiting the chain’s website to check on the precautions being taken to prevent the spread of COVID. For smaller businesses, call the store.

To make social distancing easy, visit the grocery store early in the morning or late at night, when the store might be less crowded. If you’re at higher risk of serious illness, find out if the store has special hours for people in your situation and shop during these times. To further protect yourself from COVID you may also consider ordering your groceries online for home delivery or curbside pickup.

At the store, disinfect the handle of the shopping cart or basket. Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others while shopping and in lines. If possible, pay without touching money or a keypad or use hand sanitizer after paying. Also, apply hand sanitizer after you leave the store. When you get home, wash your hands.

Banks

During visits to the bank, use the ATM, if possible. Clean the ATM keyboard with a disinfecting wipe before using it. When you are done, apply hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when you get home.

Gas stations

Before pumping gas wipe down any handles or buttons you’ll need to touch. After you finish fueling, apply hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when you get home or the next time you are near a sink.

Pharmacy

Plan to order and pick up all of your prescriptions at the same time. If possible, call in prescription orders ahead of time and use a drive-thru window, curbside pickup, mail order or other delivery service. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can get a larger supply of medication so that you don’t have to visit the pharmacy as often.

Massage therapy

Before having a massage, ask about what precautions your massage therapist is taking to prevent the spread of the COVID virus. Ideally, the number of people in the space will be limited to allow for social distancing and you’ll be able to check in and out using virtual tools.

Massage rooms, communal areas and any objects you might touch should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and sanitized. Ask about the laundry policy for linens, towels and other washable items. Massage therapists should follow hand-washing and hygiene protocols and use equipment to protect themselves, such as gloves and masks.

Parks and outdoor spaces

Before heading out, check with state and local authorities to see if parks, recreational facilities, natural bodies of water, beaches and swim areas are open. In the U.S., the National Park Service will decide on a park-by-park basis if a national park will open. If an area is going to be open, check if bathrooms and food concession stands also are open.

Choose a park that is close to home. Travel often involves stops, which can expose you to COVID. Keep space between yourself and others when using swimming pools.

While at the park, look for open areas, trails and paths that allow you to keep a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) from others. Avoid crowded areas.

As businesses continue to open, guidelines might change. Stay informed. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t feel confident about a business’s safety practices, postpone your visit. Protecting your health is worth it.

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the CDC website.

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For most people across the globe Mother’s Day will be very different this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Nevertheless, many people across the country and around the world will be looking to make the best of the only holiday dedicated to the celebration of moms everywhere.

Whether it is spending time talking to each other virtually, sending flowers or a special gift, or finding brunch delivery options in your neck of the woods, we have some great ideas for this most unusual Mother’s Day.

Video Chat

You may not be able to see Mom in person on Mother’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend a little time with her virtually.

Video chatting has seen a huge increase in popularity as a result of the stay-at-home orders that have been issued worldwide, and a video call can be a great way for families to spend some time together this Sunday.

You may have to work through some technical difficulties if you have older family members, but it’s worth it for the time spent together.

Here are some very reliable video chat options you may want to consider giving a try:  Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Skype.

Flower Delivery

You should always check your local flower shop first, but here are some very popular online services that will be offering delivery.

1800Flowers: Celebrate Mother’s Day by sending your mom a special arrangement put together for the holiday. 1800Flowers also has both next-day and same-day delivery options.

Bouqs.com: This online flower shop exclusively uses farm-fresh, eco-friendly flowers, and Bouqs.com has put together a variety of special arrangements for Mother’s Day. Bouqs.com offers a wide range of options for every budget.

ProFlowers.com: Pro Flowers has a wide variety of bouquet options to send to your mom and has same-day delivery. You can pick from flowers, plants, floral arrangements and food gifts on ProFlowers.com.

Urban Stems: Urban Stems has set up a special Mother’s Day shop that lets you browse bouquets specifically for the May 10 holiday. The online flower shop also offers overnight shipping on many of the options.

Brunch

While you most likely aren’t able to go to your favorite brunch spot for Mother’s Day, you still can order a special meal for delivery.

Here are a few online delivery services that make it easy to order some food for that great mother in your life: Grubhub, Seamless, Uber Eats.

If you have any other ideas on how to best celebrate your mom during the coronavirus shutdowns, please share them with us on Twitter or Facebook.

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Following unprecedented economic disruption caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, provides up to $500 billion to distressed industries, $350 billion for small business loans, $260 billion to expand the unemployment program, and a hearty $300 billion for direct payments to American workers and seniors. Individuals and couples with respective annual incomes under $75,000 and $150,000 can receive the maximum $1,200 stimulus check, with an extra $500 added for qualifying children aged 16 and under.

The big question, though, is this: What should you do with your Trump stimulus money? While everyone’s financial situation is undoubtedly unique, here are a few smart ways to put your stimulus check to good use.

1. Buy essential food and household supplies

This probably goes without saying, but with nearly 17 million American workers being displaced by coronavirus mitigation measures through a three-week period, some folks are counting on their stimulus check to purchase food and households goods, as well as cover important expenses, such as an electric bill, rent, or a mortgage payment. This is first and foremost why the CARES Act was passed by lawmakers and signed into law by President Trump.

2. Create or bolster an emergency fund

According to a December 2019 survey from GOBankingRates, 69% of Americans have less than $1,000 in emergency savings. Over the past couple of weeks we’ve learned that this is nowhere near sufficient to cover expenses when a real emergency does arise. Using your stimulus check to create an emergency fund or buffer an existing one would be a smart idea that would help relieve stress and prepare you for when the next financial disaster does arrive.

3. Pay down credit card debt

Chalk this up under “staggering statistics,” but American consumers ended 2019 with a whopping $4.2 trillion in debt that wasn’t tied to housing, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.  Much of this non-housing debt is tied to credit cards. In order for consumers to dig out of this debt hole they’ve dug, they could choose to put some, or all, of their stimulus check toward paying down debt. Remember, the longer you choose to ignore your debt, the more interest you’ll ultimately pay.

4. Open or add to a tax-advantaged retirement account

Stimulus check recipients should also consider opening a tax-advantaged retirement account, such as a Roth IRA. Although a Roth IRA provides no upfront tax benefits, it allows your money to grow over the long-term on a completely tax-free basis. When you do begin withdrawing from a Roth IRA during your golden years, it won’t count toward your adjusted gross income for a given year. Roth IRA contribution limits in 2020 are $6,000 for those aged 49 and younger, and up to $7,000 for people age 50 and up.

5. Invest it in the stock market

If you have a healthy emergency fund, you might consider investing your Trump stimulus check directly into the stock market. Over the long run, the stock market has returned an average of 7% annually, inclusive of dividend reinvestment. This means the typical investor is going to double their money about once every decade. Plus, no asset class has consistently outperformed the stock market over the long run.

6. Invest in yourself with continuing education courses

With most states mandating that residents stay at home to slow the transmission of COVID-19, your stimulus check might be best spent on furthering your education. This may involve spending the time and money to improve your training at your current job, or it might involve learning a new skill, language, or networking technique that could make you more valuable hire. Or, if you’re a college student, a $1,200 stimulus check is a step in the right direction toward paying the next quarter or semester of tuition.

7. Set up a tax-advantaged education account for your kids or grandkids

If you’re a parent or grandparent that doesn’t immediately need a $1,200 stimulus check, perhaps setting up a 529 plan for your kids or grandkids is the smart thing to do. According to College Board, the average annual cost for tuition at a public four-year institution rose 213% between the 1987-1988 school year and the 2017-2018 school year. Starting to save early for secondary education is a move your children or grandchildren will thank you for later. 

8. Buy life insurance

Through this past Tuesday, April 14, there were nearly 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide, as well as almost 126,000 deaths. Considering that the U.S. is the epicenter of this pandemic, now would be a smart time for household breadwinners to consider buying life insurance to ensure the financial protection of their family should they pass away unexpectedly. Only 59% of Americans have life insurance, with around half of those insured found to be underinsured, according to life insurance marketing agency LIMRA.

9. Create a will or living trust

To sort of build on the previous point, COVID-19 is also a reminder that Americans really need to have a will or estate plan in place in case of the unexpected. An AARP survey in 2017 found that 60% of Americans did not have a will or living trust. Having these documents in place ensures that your wishes regarding your health are met, and that your finances go where they’re intended upon your passing. Thus, using your stimulus check to create a will or living trust may be a smart idea.

10. Buy with a purpose by supporting your local businesses

It’s no secret that around 70% of U.S. gross domestic product is based on consumption, so another great idea for your stimulus check, assuming your emergency fund and retirement accounts are in great shape, is to spend it among your local businesses. While brand-name businesses are clearly hurting, it’s the mom-and-pop shops that are in the biggest danger of shutting down for good due to the coronavirus pandemic. Considering using some of stimulus check to support these community-based businesses.

11. Take care of vehicle maintenance/repairs

Another smart idea would be to use your Trump stimulus check to take care of maintenance repairs on your car, truck, or SUV to ensure that it remains in top working order. While it can be frustrating to pay $50, $100, or even more, every couple of months on simple maintenance procedures, it’s a lot more amenable than being hit with a $4,000 bill to rebuild a transmission or a $10,000 cost to replace an engine.

12. Make a charitable contribution

Last, but not least, you can consider donating your stimulus check to a cause you believe in. Aside from an already long list of federally recognized charities that would be thrilled to receive funding, there are federally recognized charities providing medical services and supplies, local organizational funding, community support, and education, tied directly to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you found this information useful, please check out our blog for more articles like this.

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Schools are going virtual, companies are telling employees to work remotely and people are staying home. The coronavirus, which was declared a pandemic on March 11, means we’ll all be spending way more time inside.

The rapid spread of the virus means more of us will choose — or be forced to — minimize our time outside of home with a quarantine or extreme social distancing. As the CDC explains, “The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and spreading easily from person to person.” As officials address the public health emergency, social distancing and self-quarantine measures are encouraged to prevent the rapid spread of coronavirus cases and as experts call it, “flatten the curve.” 

What’s the difference between quarantine, isolation and social distancing?

Social distancing, isolation and quarantine each have different goals, but all of these protocols are designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, the disease that results from the novel coronavirus, and other communicable diseases. 

Here’s what each term means, according to US Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC: 

Social distancing: Social distancing is used to limit close interactions among people. You can see this happening as conferences are canceled, gatherings are limited, and schools shut down. Individuals may also choose to distance themselves by avoiding public transportation or choosing to work remotely. Other social distancing practices include avoiding handshakes and remaining more than three feet from other people. 

Quarantine: To be quarantined (or self-quarantined) is when a person who is well — not sick or exhibiting symptoms — separates themselves or drastically restricts their movement. It’s used when a person has come in contact (or is suspected to have done so) with an infected person and needs to monitor their symptoms. Quarantine is also used with individuals who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and need to limit their exposure to potentially ill people. 

Isolation: Isolation is used when a person that’s ill or displaying presumptive coronavirus symptoms is separated from those who are healthy to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In some cases, people might be isolated in a hospital, while those with manageable symptoms are isolated at home.

Who should follow these protocols?

Many US cities are already exercising social distancing protocols and declaring the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency, enabling health officials to implement measures that protect the public.

But the question many people are asking is: Should I self-quarantine to prevent exposure to the coronavirus? 

The CDC advises all people over the age of 60 as well as the immunocompromised to practice strict social distancing and suggests they “stay home as much as possible.” Even still, individuals (like me) who are immunocompromised may choose to self-quarantine or practice some kind of hybrid of social distancing and quarantine while the virus takes hold in their communities. 

However, we may all find ourselves in some version of a quarantine or extreme social distancing. 

How to prepare for a coronavirus quarantine

There’s a lot more to preparing for a coronavirus quarantine than hoarding toilet paper and bottled water. Drawing from the advice of the CDC, HHS, World Health Organization and other experts, this quarantine checklist will get you and your family prepared for spending a lot of time at home. 

Note that we aren’t providing exact quantities — that’ll vary depending on the size of your family. Quantities will also be influenced by how much quarantine time you want to be ready for (two weeks is a good minimum, but one month is better).

Finally, note that hoarding and preparation are two very different things — we’re not advocating for emptying Costco’s shelves of toilet paper and those delicious little potstickers. The recommendation is to get enough necessary supplies for a potential quarantine.

1. Stock up on these items (but don’t hoard)

Many of us who work an eight-hour workday spend at least that much time outside of our homes. And during that time, we’re relying on our employers or other businesses for essentials like toilet paper and meals. 

After you’ve determined the amount of quarantine time you want to prepare for, grab the appropriate quantity of these items, as outlined by Ready.gov. This is certainly not an exhaustive list — your needs will vary depending on the things you rely on every day.

Bath and hygiene

• 30-day supply of medication, including over-the-counter pain relievers, cough and     cold medicine and electrolytes
• Toilet paper (which you’ll use more of while being at home full-time)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hand soap (no, you don’t really need hand sanitizer)
• Laundry detergent (ideally the concentrated kind, which lasts longer)
• Diapers, formula, baby wipes and other infant needs
• Body wash, shampoo, conditioner and skincare needs
• Hand soap and cleaning supplies

Food and kitchen

There is no definitive list of food items, but there are some food items that work better than others. You might also want to audit your kitchen toolkit, in case you find yourself prepping more meals from scratch while stuck indoors. 

Pantry:

• Dried beans, rice and other grains, like oatmeal
• Canned fish, soup and stews
• Essentials like oil, salt and pepper 
• Smoothie blends and protein powder 
• Coffee and tea
• Snacks that have a longer shelf life, like dried fruit and nuts
• Cured meats

Freezer:

• Meat and poultry (ideally vacuum-sealed), like chicken, beef and pork 
• Avoid fish, which can spoil if not properly frozen
• Vegetables and fruit 

Other:

• Pet food (and treats!)
• All-purpose cleaning spray (here’s the EPA’s list of COVID-19-fighting products)
• A water filter (or filter replacement) 
• Dish soap and sponges
• Paper towels 
• Now’s a really good time to get to know your Instant Pot 
• Be sure you have a reliable thermometer

2. Get a better work-from-home setup

If you’re lucky enough to continue working remotely during the outbreak, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to work effectively. Forbes.com compiled this helpful list of work-from-home essentials. Also consider some of these best practices, based on my experience working remotely so far:

Get dressed and ready for work each day. Doing so will get you into a productive mindset help you look presentable on video conferences and maintain some kind of routine.

Avoid housework. This is a tough one, but working from home doesn’t mean doing the laundry, washing the dishes and cleaning up throughout the day. To avoid any housework, make sure to clean up before you start the day or before bed. 

Coordinate meeting schedules. If you’re quarantined with someone else working remotely, you’ll want to coordinate meetings so that you’re not disrupting each other. Simply share calendars or connect briefly before the day begins. If you each have an office or designated area, this wouldn’t apply to you. 

Take breaks and stop working. The hardest thing about working from home is setting boundaries. Be sure to schedule breaks when you can stretch, do an at-home workout, or eat. Also make sure you’re “clocking out” at some point and putting your laptop away for the day. This will help you stay sane while working from home.

3. Change your routine

Losing your routine and being stuck indoors can put a strain on one’s mental health. Here are some things to plan ahead for. 

Medical appointments: If you need medical support that doesn’t require immediate admittance, get to know your insurance provider’s telemedicine — or video appointment — services. For instance, my insurance provider supports Doctor on Demand visits for a $10 co-pay. Depending on you or your family members’ needs, the physician can prescribe medications, which you can often choose to have delivered. 

Exercise: You don’t need a Peloton to work out at home. Plenty of YouTube channels offer free workout videos and workout apps get you an experience on par with an in-studio class. If you’re feeling ambitious, you might even consider creating a DIY Peloton. Here’s our complete guide to working out at home. 

Keep your spirits up. As the outbreak spreads and the death toll increases, many people may find themselves deeply worried — or even panicked. During these times, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Amanda Capritto spoke to a psychotherapist who offered some practical tips for staying sane during the outbreak. 

What to do when you leave the house

If you’re participating in a quarantine or self-quarantine that doesn’t forbid you from leaving the house, there may be occasions when you’ll go out into the world, such as to get groceries or visit a family member. When you do, follow these tips for avoiding exposure to COVID-19 and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often. 

When you return home — or in the event someone visits your home — be sure to sanitize your house. This means using disinfecting products to wipe down frequently used surfaces, including countertops, doorknobs, faucets and tables. Many retailers are currently sold out of disinfecting products, like Lysol, online and in stores. So, here are some alternatives to wipes and sprays.

A word on face masks

Though the initial response to the novel coronavirus in the US was to go out and buy face masks, health officials have since asked the public to stop buying them, unless someone is sick and needs to reduce the chances of transmitting COVID-19 to others. So, no, you don’t need to stock up on face masks — save them for healthcare workers and those who are ill.

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website.

If you found this information useful, please check out our blog for more articles like this.

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The U.S. Department of State has advised travelers to reconsider travel to Italy due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.  The specific warning is as follows:

Level 4 – Do Not Travel to:

• Lombardy and Veneto due to the level of community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine procedures.

There is a widespread ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness (COVID-19) caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be spread from person to person.  Many cases of COVID-19 have been associated with travel to or from mainland China or close contact with a travel-related case, but widespread sustained community spread has been reported in Italy.  The CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Italy.  At this time, CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Italy.  Travelers should review and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus if they decide to travel to Italy. Italy has a longstanding risk presented by terrorist groups, who continue plotting possible attacks there. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. 

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. If you decide to travel to Italy:

• Read the Centers for Disease Control’s and Prevention guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 and information on health conditions in Italy.
• Review the Embassy’s latest alerts and the embassy’s webpage on COVID-19 in Italy for additional information. Follow Italian health official guidance and avoid government-designated affected areas.
• Have a plan to depart from Italy that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Italy.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

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This article provides information for workers and employers about the evolving COVID-19 outbreak first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection with, the novel coronavirus—now officially named COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in confirmed human infections in China and a growing number of other countries, including the United States. Infected patients have also spread the virus to healthcare workers. The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s COVID-19 webpage.

There is no evidence of widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States at this time. Without sustained human-to-human transmission, most American workers are not at significant risk of infection. Exposure risk may be elevated for some workers who interact with potentially infected travelers from abroad, including those involved in:

• Healthcare
• Deathcare
• Laboratories
• Airline operations
• Border protection
• Solid waste and wastewater management
• Travel to areas, including parts of China, where the virus is spreading

There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 as the outbreak investigation continues. Infected people can spread the coronavirus through their respiratory secretions, especially when they cough or sneeze. According to the CDC, spread from person-to-person is most likely among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unknown if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

In addition to this OSHA guidance, employers and workers should consult interim CDC guidance specific to COVID-19. CDC also provides tips on what the general public should do during the ongoing outbreak.

Here are some additional quick facts regarding COVID-19:

• Existing OSHA standards apply to protecting workers from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
• Signs and symptoms of infection with the coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
• Some people who get the COVID-19 may experience only mild illness. However, the virus can also cause pneumonia, which may be severe.
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
• It is likely that some person-to-person spread will continue to occur.
• CDC issued a warning notice to avoid all non-essential travel to China. CDC and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have implemented enhanced health screenings to detect travelers with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing when entering the United States.

If you found this information useful, please check out our blog for more articles like this.

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The United States Department of State and similar organizations from around the world have warned citizens not to travel to China due to the novel coronavirus which was first identified in Wuhan, China. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance notice. Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China.

Those currently in China should attempt to depart by commercial means. U.S. citizens remaining in China should follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Chinese health authorities’ guidance for prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment. We strongly urge U.S. citizens remaining in China to stay home as much as possible and limit contact with others, including large gatherings. Consider stocking up on food and other supplies to limit movement outside the home. In the event that the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the U.S.  Embassy and Consulates to provide assistance to U.S. nationals within China may be limited.

In an effort to contain the novel coronavirus, the Chinese authorities have suspended air, road, and rail travel in the area around Wuhan and placed restrictions on travel and other activities throughout the country. On January 23, 2020, the Department of State ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. personnel and their family members from Wuhan. On January 29, 2020, the Department of State allowed for the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees from China. On January 31, 2020, the Department of State ordered the departure of all family members under age 21 of U.S. personnel in China.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning for all of China. The CDC has published suggestions on how to reduce your risk of contracting the Novel Coronavirus. Visit the CDC web page for expanded information about the Novel Coronavirus, including prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment.

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A coronavirus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. Most coronaviruses are not dangerous.

Some types of coronaviruses are serious, though. About 858 people have died from Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which first appeared in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and then in other countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In April 2014, the first American was hospitalized for MERS in Indiana and another case was reported in Florida. Both had just returned from Saudi Arabia. In May 2015, there was an outbreak of MERS in Korea, which was the largest outbreak outside of the Arabian Peninsula. In 2003, 774 people died from a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. As of 2015, there were no further reports of cases of SARS.

But In early 2020, following a December 2019 outbreak in China, the World Health Organization identified a new type, 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Often a coronavirus causes upper respiratory infection symptoms like a stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. You can treat them with rest and over-the-counter medication. The coronavirus can also cause middle ear infections in children.

What Is a Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses were first identified in the 1960s, but we don’t know where they come from. They get their name from their crown-like shape. Sometimes, but not often, a coronavirus can infect both animals and humans.

Most coronaviruses spread the same way other cold-causing viruses do: through infected people coughing and sneezing, by touching an infected person’s hands or face, or by touching things such as doorknobs that infected people have touched.

Almost everyone gets a coronavirus infection at least once in their life, most likely as a young child. In the United States, coronaviruses are more common in the fall and winter, but anyone can come down with a coronavirus infection at any time.

Common Symptoms of Coronavirus

The symptoms of most coronaviruses are similar to any other upper respiratory infection, including runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a fever. In most cases, you won’t know whether you have a coronavirus or a different cold-causing virus, such as rhinovirus.

You could get lab tests, including nose and throat cultures and blood work, to find out whether your cold was caused by a coronavirus, but there’s no reason to. The test results wouldn’t change how you treat your symptoms, which typically go away in a few days.

But if a coronavirus infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract (your windpipe and your lungs), it can cause pneumonia, especially in older people, people with heart disease, or people with weakened immune systems.

What to Do About Coronavirus

There is no vaccine for coronavirus, but the National Institutes of Health is working on one and hopes to begin testing in several months. To help prevent a coronavirus infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are infected.

You treat a coronavirus infection the same way you treat a cold:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink fluids.
• Take over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat and fever. But don’t give aspirin to children or teens younger than 19; use ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead.

A humidifier or steamy shower can also help ease a sore and scratchy throat.

Even when a coronavirus causes MERS or SARS in other countries, the kind of coronavirus infection common in the U.S. isn’t a serious threat for an otherwise healthy adult. If you get sick, treat your symptoms and contact a doctor if they get worse or don’t go away.

How many people have been diagnosed with the virus, and how many have died?

According to European CDC, the majority of the confirmed cases – 5,994 – are in China. Another 78 cases are confirmed outside of China in 16 countries. Countries with the most confirmed cases include Thailand with 14 and Taiwan and South Korea with 8 each. All reported deaths have been in China, and include 16 healthcare workers.

Is travel to China safe?

Wuhan is closed to travelers.

The CDC is advising that travelers avoid non-essential travel to China. Travelers who do go should:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid animals, animal markets, and products that come from animals.
• Wash their hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if that’s not available.
• Seek medical care right away for a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Tell a health care professional about any travel.

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