Traveling to Canada During the Pandemic – What you Need to Know

February 25, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Travelling to Canada, let alone any country, has become more complex than ever before. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused governments to put rules and regulations in order to safeguard their citizens and permanent residents, as well as those travelling to the country.    

To make things a little easier when making your travel plans, we’ve highlighted some of the things you need to know about Canada’s Covid-19 travel restrictions and Canada’s visitor visa requirements.

You Must Be Fully Vaccinated

As of January 15, 2022, Canada has made it compulsory for all foreigners entering Canada to be fully vaccinated with one or a combination of approved vaccines. Below is a list of Canada’s approved vaccines: 

AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)

Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)

Janssen/Johnson & Johnson – 1 dose

Moderna (mRNA-1273)

Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)

Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV)

Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)

All travellers five years and older need to provide a negative COVID test result or proof of vaccination via the Arrive CAN app at least 72 hours before travelling to Canada. You’ll need to provide the following information via the app:  

Contact information

Travel details; and

Vaccination information

You May Be Exempt Under Certain Circumstances

Certain travellers may be considered exempt and be allowed to enter Canada without being fully vaccinated. Below are some situations that may make you exempt:    

You are a temporary foreign worker in the agriculture and food-processing sectors; 

You are a refugee or asylum claimant;

You are travelling to Canada for compassionate reasons, e.g. to attend a funeral, provide care for or support to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or temporary resident who is critically ill;

You are travelling for medical support or treatment;

You provide essential services, trade or transportation; or

You are a minor younger than 18 years old or a dependant adult (must be an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen). 

You will need to follow Canada’s visitor visa requirements for exempt travellers:

Wear a mask in all public areas;

Keep a record of people that you’ve been in contact with for the first 14 days;

Keep track of any COVID symptoms.

You May Need to Take a COVID Test on Arrival in Canada

Even though you may be fully vaccinated, you will receive a health screening and may be asked to be tested for COVID when you get to Canada. This can be done:     

On-site at the airport

Offsite; or

At home with a self-swab test kit (you may be given one at the border)

You may not be able to enter Canada if you exhibit any symptoms or signs of COVID, regardless of where you are travelling from or if you are vaccinated.  

If you are travelling to Canada from anywhere other than the U.S., you’ll need to take a COVID test and self-quarantine until you get your test results. If you are travelling from the U.S. and aren’t fully vaccinated, you’ll need to self-quarantine for 14 days.

14-day Quarantine Plan

If you are travelling to Canada and are unvaccinated, you’ll need a detailed quarantine plan. Your plan should outline:      

Your accommodation

Your transportation details to your accommodation, and 

How you intend on getting essentials like food or medicine.

Canada’s Visitor Visa Requirements

Before applying for your visitor’s visa, keep in mind that even if you have a visa, you may not be allowed to enter Canada if you don’t meet these COVID requirements:    

You must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada unless listed on the exemption list;

You must be asymptomatic or not show any symptoms or signs of COVID;

Follow pre-entry testing and entry requirements:

Upload proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN

Submit all ArriveCAN requirements and get a receipt with a letter – I, V, or A next to your name

Complete an arrival test and quarantine (if need be)

Monitor for any signs or symptoms of COVID for the first 14 days after arriving in Canada

Seek medical assistance or advice if you have COVID symptoms.

A visitor’s visa will allow you to stay in Canada for about six months. To apply for a Canadian visitor’s visa, you’ll need:     

A valid travel document, e.g. a passport;

To be in good health;

To have a clear criminal record;

To show that you plan to return home by showing that you have ties, e.g. a job, home, financial assets or family, and a return ticket.

To show that you have enough money for your stay in Canada.

Ready to start your travels to Canada in 2022? Apply today for a Canadian visitor visa using a licensed professional, like the ones at CanadianVisa.org, and you could be on your way to a stress-free adventure abroad.

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Got Mask-ne? Check These Out #ClothMasks

November 3, 2021 by 1 Comment

If you are like us, you have tried a thousand masks out over this past pandemic-era. Not all masks are created equal, so here is a little round up of some of our favorites.

cloth masks

Ollie Belle’s new Phyto Anti-Acne Mask is made up of a proprietary fabric blend that has been proven to kill 99% of bacteria! Using multifunctional, antibacterial technology, Ollie Belle’s face mask includes a zirconium-silver compound, embedded in the fiber. These silver fragments work to release positive ions that attach to the negative ions in bacteria, ultimately preventing the growth of bacteria and blemishes.

But wait, there’s more. Check out these additional points on why you should recommend Ollie Belle to your audience of skincare lovers:

Odor fighting properties
    • Ability to fight viruses and airborne pathogens
    • Lightweight, breathable, soft fabric keeps the skin dry and free from synthetic fibers that cause acne
    • 99% UV protection
    • Quick-drying: 90% faster drying time than polyester & cotton
      ​What is Phytoncide? 
      ​Phytoncide is the main mascne protecting factor in Ollie Belle’s face mask. Phytoncide is a substance emitted by plants and trees (think of it as tea tree oil!) Phytoncides are naturally produced to help plants and trees to protect themselves from harmful insects and germs. In this case, it is being used to protect us against face bacteria caused by the wearing of face masks.

cloth masks

If you want reusable gloves in addition to masking, or are annoyed that you can’t properly use your fingers with gloves on- try these out-

 GHLUV is very innovative personal protection accessory  launched in late Spring 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.  GHLUV was featured in Forbes.com and CBS news as one of the most creative innovations that have been developed to fight the spread of Covid-19 and has proven to be a valuable gear to offer extra protection in everyday life with comfort and style.

Ghluv can be worn on the wrist and easily be pulled down on the hand to avoid direct contact with high-touch surfaces when opening doors, pushing buttons and shopping carts. It is treated with the Swiss antimicrobial technology  HeiQ V-Block NPJ03 to prevent most microbes from being spread upon contact and to minimize the potential transmission of bacteria from textiles.  Ghluv is reusable and can be washed up to 30 times maintaining 99.9% of its antimicrobial properties. This offers a more sustainable option compared to one-use latex gloves in everyday life.

The Ghluv collection features matching ear loop mask with the same antimicrobial treatment now also available in kids sizes.

Pretty interesting, yeah? We loved both these masks, they are lightweight and easy to breathe through, and don’t make you sweat to death while you are wearing them like some do. They also don’t ride up constantly, covering your eyes and driving you mad, or droop down and end up on your chin every time you speak.

All in all, I’d say both these brands are winners- perfect for stocking stuffers and little gifts for anyone you know that has being driven a little mask-crazy, haha. Listen, we may not love them, but they are required for many places and for the current “new normal” of things such as travelling and going to theater, etc. Make the best of it with masks you won’t hate. They also wash really easily and dry quickly- I’d only line dry, though, on a personal preference.

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Mandatory Face Mask Policies Associated with Reduced COVID-19 Deaths

April 14, 2021 by 1 Comment

Study findings state that statewide mandatory face mask policies reduced COVID-19 deaths

Statewide policy on face mask use reduces case fatality rate, new research suggests.

Researchers at the UNC Charlotte, Department of Public Health Sciences examined the COVID-19 incidence and mortality data in the 3,102 counties across the U.S using data from the John Hopkins University and Kaiser Family Foundation. They found that early adoption of state-directed mandatory face mask policies was associated with a 10% reduced mortality risk ratio across all counties and a 5% reduced mortality risk ratio among urban counties.

At the end of August 2020, 3,079 US counties reported at least one confirmed case of COVID-19, and about two-thirds of all U.S. counties had a state policy on mandatory face mask use. According to the study, it took an average of 62 days from the first reported case in the U.S. for COVID-19 to spread to the 3,079 counties. However, it took an average of 101 days from the first reported case in the U.S. for the counties to have a statewide policy on face mask use.

“As of August 31, 2020, the median county-level case fatality rate was 1.54%. Among the 2,009 counties with a statewide policy on face mask use, the median case fatality rate was 0.81%”, Oluwaseun Adeyemi, a public health sciences doctoral candidate and one of the study authors, writes.

But it was not only the reduced case fatality rate among the counties with a statewide policy on a face mask that was intriguing. Counties whose statewide policy on face mask use came before the 62-day mark had a reduced mortality rate ratio compared to other counties that instituted the statewide policies after the 62-day mark. Adeyemi stated that “early adoption of face mask policy was associated with a 10% reduced mortality risk compared to counties with late adoption of statewide face mask use policy”.

The authors selected the death counts a week before and three weeks after the statewide policy on face mask use. For counties without a statewide policy on face mask use, death counts corresponding to dates of an adjacent state with a mandatory face mask policy were selected. The case fatality rate was measured as the proportion of deaths in a county divided by the number of confirmed cases. The authors will be presenting these results at the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s (SBM’s) 42nd Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions on April 12, 2021.

About University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte is the third largest and the fastest-growing university in North Carolina. The public health sciences department at UNC Charlotte prides itself in its faculty, whose research focuses on diverse areas of public health issues which include occupational health, suicide, maternal health, infant and child health, social determinants of health, cancer, and chronic diseases, and geriatric population. Based in Charlotte, the third fastest-growing urban city in the U.S., the public health sciences comprises a community of students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds, working together to solve local, regional, and national emerging public health issues.

About SBM 

The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) is a 2,400-member organization of scientific researchers, clinicians, and educators. They study interactions among behavior, biology, and the environment, and translate findings into interventions that improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities (www.sbm.org).

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Sorry We’ve Been MIA- We’ve Had #Covid19

January 12, 2021 by 2 Comments

So, we’ve been a little hard to reach lately, and the emails have been stacking up. I wanted to share with you that we’ve had Covid-19, and were very, very sick for quite a minute there. Now that we are starting to get back online and back to “normal” lives again, we wanted to let you know that we didn’t forget about anyone and we are going to get back to every single one of you.

I have a few winners to announce, and lots of items I had planned for my annual “Holiday Gift Guide”, but I was just to sick to do it this year, I apologize. I tried to get on as much as I could, but it wasn’t a lot. I really wan’t well.

We made a short video for you, thank you for sticking with us and for understanding.

PLEASE BE SAFE out there. As hard as we tried and as little as we went out, we still got sick. Take every precaution, I hope you all stay healthy and have a wonderful 2021. Hugs!

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Tips for Balancing Remote Work and Full-Time Parenting During COVID-19

August 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment

The following is a guest post. All opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of us here at HSWT. Thank you!

By: Sheyla Scaffo, People Experience Associate & Executive Business Administrator at Bunny Studio

Many parents are currently navigating an entirely new normal: Working from home while taking care of their kids full-time. As school picks back up and many kids remain at home for remote learning, figuring out how to balance their schedule and a full-time job sometimes feels totally unmanageable.

Most parents have had experience working remotely in one-off, unplanned situations. However, working at home day in and day out for the foreseeable future while also caring for (and in some cases, teaching) kids at home proves to be a major struggle without careful planning where needed and flexibility when possible.

Read on to learn how to create better routines and habits that can help parents maintain a healthy work-life integration:

1. When possible, keep things flexible
This is often easier said than done. However, when you do have the ability, consider getting creative with your work schedule to base your hours around your kids’ schedules. Giving yourself the flexibility to work differently during this time is crucial to maintaining work-life balance.

This can work in a variety of ways. For example, if you’re an early morning person or a night owl, or you are used to commuting a long way, consider working on projects during these times when kids are usually sleeping. Of course, there will always be vital tasks and meetings that require collaboration with your colleagues during regular work hours, but finding ways to give yourself time for small breaks during the day will help you and your kids stay on track.

2. Establish a kid-free zone
There will be times when you need to hunker down and complete work items free from distractions, which is why it is important to establish an area of the house where you can separate yourself from your family.

Not only is it important for this space to be free from other people, but it also needs to be free from other distractions such as dirty laundry and other messes. Keeping the area clean and organized will keep you from wanting to disengage from work to complete other tasks.

3. Clearly communicate with your family
If you have a partner who is also working from home and sharing kid duties with you, it is crucial to communicate the times you can and cannot help out during the day. Setting these expectations will allow for a much smoother daily routine.

It is also important to communicate with your children if they are old enough. Set expectations for when there will be breaks in your day that you can check-in, whether it be a quick snack break, lunch, or even hourly check-ins.

4. Utilize special toys and screen time during work hours
Set aside designated toys and other gadgets, as well as movies or TV shows, to be used when you need to focus-in during the day. This will give your kids something to look forward to and will allow for some distraction-free work time.
 
5. Don’t overwork
During this time, it can be easy to feel like we need to push ourselves to work extra hours, but the reality is that taking the time to unplug and reset each day is critical to success as a parent and an employee.

With schools and offices closed, parents are likely finding themselves faced with a to-do list that has only grown. Although many of us have now had a few months to settle into fully-remote work, that does not mean keeping up with distance-learning while figuring out the best way to accomplish your work has gotten any easier. Designing a schedule that fits your needs is easier said than done, but following the above tips should help ensure you are on the right track.

Should you find yourself out of work during this time, consider that there are other work options out there, such as freelance and contract work, that may help you meet your scheduling and finance needs. Freelancing is also a great source of supplemental income for people while they look for new full-time employment.

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PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE Extends Brookside Cabaret Through the Summer Live Performances and Fine Dining

July 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Michael Stotts-Managing Director) announced today that it will continue its popular live Brookside Cabaret every Thursday and Saturday night through September with a talented roster of Broadway and Paper Mill favorites.

Brookside Cabaret will feature performances by Matt Castle, Dwayne Clark, the Louis Danowsky Trio, Elizabeth Ward Land, Erin Maguire, Nicole Vanessa Ortiz, Kyle Taylor Parker, Kelli Rabke, Joe Regan, Susan Speidel, and Rema Webb.

“We are so grateful to be working with these extraordinary performers and to have a chance to provide them with the audiences they have been yearning for since the shutdown in March. Brookside Cabaret has been a huge hit with audiences and performers. Now we are looking forward to an exciting summer ​of great entertainment in our beautiful courtyard. We’ll keep the cabaret going as long as the weather holds up,” says Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director.

“The Carriage House Restaurant has been adored by Paper Mill’s theater patrons and considered a great amenity for our audience. This time has given the restaurant a real chance to shine and to become a destination on its own. We are happy the community is enjoying the food, atmosphere and entertainment,” says Mike Stotts, Managing Director.

Brookside Cabaret and Dining is sponsored by PNC Wealth Management and Szerlip & Co.

Carriage House Restaurant Brookside Dining Wednesday–Sunday

The Carriage House Restaurant at the F.M. Kirby Carriage House opens for alfresco dining at 5:00PM Wednesday–Saturday for prix fixe dinner as well as high-top seating for small plates and cocktails. Brunch is available on Sunday from 11:00AM to 2:00PM. Diners will enjoy live performances every Thursday and Saturday night.

Brookside dining prix fixe two-course dinner is $40 per person Wednesday and Friday, and $70 per person Thursday and Saturday with live entertainment. Small plates and cocktails are available at high-top tables ($30 minimum per person on nights with live entertainment). Sunday brunch is $30 per person including fresh fruit salad and a choice of entrée.

For menus, additional information and to make reservations, order curbside pickup, and learn more about our safety protocols, visit papermill.org/restaurant.

Brookside Cabaret Schedule of Performers, Thursday and Saturday Nights at 7pm

Thursday, July 30: Erin Maguire: An Evening of Comedy and Song

Saturday, August 1: Louis Danowsky Trio: Broadway Blues

Thursday, August 6: Matt Castle

Saturday, August 8: Susan Speidel and Joe Regan

Thursday, August 13: Matt Castle

Saturday, August 15: Louis Danowsky Trio: Broadway Blues

Thursday, August 20: Elizabeth Ward Land with Matt Castle: A Linda Ronstadt Tribute

Saturday, August 22: Susan Speidel and Joe Regan

Thursday & Saturday, August 27 & 29: Kelli Rabke with John Fischer on piano and Sean Harkness on guitar

Thursday, September 3: Elizabeth Ward Land with Matt Castle: A Linda Ronstadt Tribute

Saturday, September 5: Susan Speidel and Joe Regan

Thursday & Saturday, September 10 & 12: Nicole Vanessa Ortiz

Thursday, September 17: Kyle Taylor Parker: An Evening of Broadway Soul

Saturday, September 19: To be announced

Thursday, September 24: Dwayne Clark

Saturday, September 26: Rema Webb: A Tribute to Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald

In case of rain, Thursday night performances will be rescheduled to Friday night, and Saturday night performances will be rescheduled to Sunday night.  Patrons should plan accordingly.

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Be Aware of the Rising Number of Car Accidents as You Travel This Summer

July 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment

All 50 states began some process of reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the country to enter lockdown in March and April. Even while several states have begun to impose restrictions again, as you travel the country this summer, you will notice that the rate of car accidents is on the rise.

This expected rise in car accidents comes after reports of relatively low numbers of car accidents during the coronavirus lockdowns. As many states begin to resume operations, officials predict that there will be a sharp rise in car accidents and injuries over the next few summer months.

 Expect Summer 2020 to See an Increased Number of Car Accident Fatalities

 Summer often brings an increased number of car accidents. Not only is the weather often more suitable for driving, but people also tend to travel more during long holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Additionally, many holiday celebrations as well as other summer festivities will involve the combination of alcohol and an increased number of vehicles on the road, which will lead to more accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more car accidents occur daily between July and August than any other time of the year. Some experts even refer to the period between Memorial Day and Labor as the “100 deadliest days” due to the large number of car accidents that occur then. When these factors are combined with antsy drivers eager to hit the roadways once again during the COVID-19 reopening’s, travelers should be aware that the number of deadly car accidents that occur in the U.S. this summer is likely to be higher than ever.

How a Re-Opened Economy Will Lead to More Car Accidents

Many people anxiously await the day when the United States can begin moving past COVID-19 and we can travel the country as freely as we once did. In the interim, however, we are seeing a sharp increase in car travelers this summer, as many are not yet ready to board an airplane.

Tips on Staying Safe While Road Tripping this Summer

Some of the helpful strategies that you can follow to reduce your risk of ending up in an accident while on a road trip this summer include:

  • Routinely check your vehicle’s tire pressure. Well-maintained tires can protect motorists from unexpected breakdowns.
  • Pack safely, which includes not exceeding your vehicle’s payload capacity.
  • Take steps to manage both glare and heat. This could always include keeping sunglasses nearby or using a sun shield beneath your vehicle’s windshield.
  • Rain showers can occur suddenly in the summer. If you find yourself driving through the rain, remember that roads become particularly slippery soon after rainfall.
  • There is often an increased number of bicyclists and motorcyclists on the roads during the summer. Remember to safely share the road with these drivers.

Speak with a Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney

Even if you try your best to stay safe while traveling this summer, the risk of car accidents is still likely to go up over the next few months. While the moments following a car accident can be overwhelming, it can help greatly to speak with a knowledgeable car accident attorney from the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe. Contact our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation.

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Coral UV 3-in-1 Sanitizer

July 13, 2020 by 8 Comments

With recent attention paid to UV-C sanitizers for at home disinfection, we want to introduce you to the Coral UV 3-in-1 Sanitizer: a compact, UV-C sanitizer that provides an easy and chemical free solution for sanitizing everyday items. Our most used items collect the most germs but are the hardest to clean (keys, cell phones, TV remotes). The UV 3-in-1 sanitizer is an effective solution for limiting germs around yourself and your home.

UV light sanitizer

Coral UV uses a high energy, artificial UV-C ray that breaks down the DNA of bacteria and germs and disrupts their ability to reproduce. Compared to other forms of disinfection, the Coral UV 3-in-1 doesn’t damage materials over time like steam sanitizers, can sanitize items in as little as 10 minutes, and requires minimal maintenance.

With an influx of UV-C sanitizers hitting the market, there are a few key functions that distinguish Coral UV from other brands:

  • Accreditation & 3rd Party Testing – Coral UV can back up their claims of 99.9% UV-C sanitation with successful tests from accredited institutions.

  • Minimal design – No one has room in their home for a UV-C sanitizer as large as a mini fridge. Coral UV is a top-open, compact sanitizer that naturally fits in with the rest of your kitchen, nursery, or living room. This helps to maintain consistent use.

  • Stainless Steel Chamber – Reflective stainless steel ensures the sanitizing UV-C light reaches every corner inside the device.

  • Drying function – A built in drying function is convenient for items you might rinse off beforehand, such as pacifiers and water bottles. Coral UV is one of the only sanitizers that has this option.

  • Replaceable parts – Over a long period of time, UV-C lamps can lose some of their strength. Coral UV has replaceable bulbs included and for purchase on their website so you don’t have to eventually replace the entire unit.

The Coral UV 3-in-1 sanitizer will be stocked for purchase at coraluv.com and on Amazon.

Here is a video of myself and my young son learning how to use it. It’s pretty easy, we think you will love it- especially now, with the urgent need to be as clean as possible.

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