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The Communicator
03.11.2022
Traveling in global pandemic, still possible? With COVID-19 still around, how is the world traveling? Brandon Pickering The Communicator Eager to get out of your state or even get out of the country for a little bit of “You” time, or maybe you just want to explore the world? Well you’re in luck, but there might be some restrictions, including vaccine requirements. For people not making road trips, the CDC reminds people that wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required when in indoor areas of public transportation. If you do decide to travel to another US state, you should still check out the latest guidance before you go, even if you’re fully vaccinated. When entering a different country, especially now, these are the key items to bring with you when you depart and arrive from
airports. Face masks/face coverings, proof of negative test or vaccination card with passport. With those items, you are sure to have an easy run through international customs. “Traveling is fun, but during the times we’re still, we always have to make sure we are being safe,” Amy Shofell, American Airlines flight attendant, said, “Always make sure you bring extra masks, hand sanitizer, and your covid vaccination card when you travel out of the country. It’s better to be prepared than to scramble at the last second.” Even though the pandemic is still in effect , always be sure to check weekly for specific country restriction updates. Countries such as Albania, Argentina, Brazil, and Costa Rica (as well as few others) are on board with showing a negative test result within two to three days prior to arrival. Other countries such as England, France, and Greece (as well as a few others) are now accepting a one day negative test prior or vaccination card with less
than six months/up to date booster shot to enter their country. “It’s always a crazy time traveling anywhere, but this past winter season has been even more crazy due to low staffing (due to covid) and the weather conditions,” Darren Rodriguez, Spokane Airport TSA, said. “Even though it was hard for some of us (including myself), we managed to pull through and made sure people got through the checkpoint to get to their flights.” It’s always good to know when and when not to travel out of your surrounding areas, especially right now with the pandemic still in full force. With the Omnicron variant in full spread throughout most of the east coast as well as many of the European countries, as long as you are taking the precautions seriously, you should be fine when entering different countries. While other countries are being portrayed as “a crazy area to be in,”
Alex Church | Submitted Photo Plane leaving the Pheonix Sky Harbor Airport
they are close enough to the United States and each individual state on their protocols. Each public transportation service requires you to wear a mask (unless actively eating or drinking) and to have a six feet distance from others. “I traveled to England for school in 2020/2021 and really enjoyed it.” Roxanne Zorea, University of Kent Student, said, “Even though it wasn’t the best time to travel over there and be there
because of Covid, I was still able to go up to the University of Kent and take part in my classes. It was interesting to see how London was acting towards the virus. To see the governmental restraints on certain places in Canterbury and London was mind blowing because I have been to England many times prior to the pandemic.” If you still plan on traveling to different countries or different states right now, make sure you always check the state or country restriction updates on their website, https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/ map-and-travel-notices.html
Running Start students earn college credit Tobey Mickleson
The Communicator One of the programs offered by Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) for high school students is called Running Start. Running Start offers high school juniors and seniors with a certain GPA the opportunity to earn dual credit. Running Start students earn high school and college credit at the same time. For CCS, high school students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be admitted. Students must have at least a 3.25 GPA to take classes at Eastern Washington University (EWU). With Running Start, it is possible for a student to earn an associate degree tuition free. The student
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still has to pay for books and fees. Running Start credits transfer easily to Washington State schools. This program is an option for students looking for more challenging coursework not available in some high schools. While this requires greater responsibility, it also gives a measure of independence for the students who are ready for it. Despite the many benefits, only some high school students will see Running Start as a path worth pursuing. Being a Running Start student requires more responsibility. Running Start students have to be ready to adapt to the college level expectations. Before any student signs up for Running Start, they must be sure they are up for the challenge. It is important to know that failing a college level
class will always be on the student’s permanent high school transcript. This could put the student behind in credits to graduate. Another reason students may feel hesitant about Running Start is because they will miss much of the high school social scene, although some might see that as a benefit. A counselor from Mt. Spokane High School, Jamie Goodman, said that about 90 percent of all Running Start students from Mt. Spokane advanced to four year colleges. She also mentioned that she had four students return to Mt. Spokane from Running Start this year. The director of enrollment programs at SFCC, Brenda Schreiber, confirmed that Running Start students can earn up to 15 credits each quarter, and that many students earn
their AA and High School diploma at the same time. Schreiber endorsed Running Start saying, “As a parent of three running start students, I would highly recommend running start! In addition to the financial savings, it was an opportunity for personal growth and responsibility, taking courses that were not available at the high school , and career exploration. It allowed them to start their college career with the support of high school and running start staff to guide them along the way!” There will be an information session on March 10th at 6:30 pm. For more information visit sfcc.spokane.edu/Become-a-Student. https:// sfcc.spokane.edu/Become-a-Student/High-School/Running-Start/ Who-is-Eligible www.communicatoronline.org
