We launched this section of our website in March of 2020 in order to provide you with the latest pandemic-related information and how the outbreak was impacting global shipments. Since then, we’ve been sharing breaking news, links to relevant expert sources and insights from The Quick Group’s logistics specialists. Though we had been updating this page less frequently as lockdowns and travel bans decreased with the vaccine rollout, we now find ourselves contending with a new strain of the COVID-19 variant, Omicron. We will now be publishing updates as the situation evolves on this web page, as well as on our website’s Service Alerts pages and our social media channels.
And, as always, whenever you have a question or need additional information—whether COVID-related or not—please contact your local customer service office or your Quick/Sterling representative. You can also send a question to one of our global logistics specialists via our Ask the Experts page. No matter how you’d like to connect with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out—and remember that when the unexpected happens, we are here for you.
Starting Monday, November 8, 2021, new requirements will go into effect for travelers entering the United States at land ports of entry (POEs) and ferry terminals. For the first time since March 2020, non-citizen travelers will be permitted to enter the U.S. through a land border or ferry terminal for a non-essential reason (i.e., tourism), provided they are fully vaccinated and can present proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. Unvaccinated travelers may continue to cross the border for essential travel, including lawful trade, emergency response, and public health purposes. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/10/29/fact-sheet-guidance-travelers-enter-us-land-ports-entry-and-ferry-terminals
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved today the first COVID-19 vaccine.
It will now be marketed as Comirnaty for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine will continue being available under emergency use authorization for those 12-15 years of age and as a third dose for certain immunocompromised individuals. www.statnews.com
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that it is extending restrictions on non-essential travel at the country's Canadian and Mexican border crossings through September 21st. The Quick companies continue to provide uninterrupted service between these countries; essential workers, such as Quick/Sterling employees, are exempt from this mandate. If you have any questions about your shipments, please contact your local Customer Service Center.
New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines
The CDC announced today that it is updating its physical distancing guidelines for children in schools from 6 feet to 3 feet. Wearing a mask, however, is still critical. And when it's not possible to accommodate masks, such as while eating, the CDC says six feet of distance should be maintained. read more
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its first guidance for people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. They can safely visit other vaccinated people indoors—without wearing a mask or social distancing. In addition, vaccinated people can visit some unvaccinated people without masks or social distancing as well. www.cnn.com
FDA staff endorses Johnson & Johnson single-shot COVID vaccine for emergency use.
If approved, J&J’s application would be the 3rd vaccine authorized for emergency use in the United States—following those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech & Moderna www.washingtonpost.com
