OUR 46TH WEEKLY UPDATE REGARDING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, INCLUDING SOME VERY DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE VACCINE FOR THE VIRUS AND ALSO SOME ADDITIONAL UPBEAT PROJECTIONS, ANOTHER STAFF PROFILE, AND GREAT ENTERTAINING VIDEOS FOR YOU TO ENJOY
FRIDAY, February 12
FROM CHRIS KRARAS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
“WE WANDER FOR DISTRACTION,
BUT WE TRAVEL FOR FULFILLMENT!”
Dear Friends:
FIRST OF ALL, ON BEHALF OF ALL OUR FAMILY AND STAFF HERE AT WHITE STAR TOURS, I WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! This holiday, which reminds all of us of our need to love and to be loved, comes at an interesting time of the year when it is usually cold, windy, or snowy, but it gives us a chance to have our hearts warmed by the spirit of the day. So, I sincerely hope that you have an opportunity to have your heart warmed this Sunday as we celebrate Valentine’s Day together.
Regarding the Coronavirus, which has plagued our world for a year now, this week has been very exciting in that things are definitely improving in every way. The New York Times, which keeps very close and accurate records, recently reported that over the past month there has been an over 50% drop in positive Coronavirus tests that are being recorded throughout the United States. That statistic is very exciting and extremely encouraging as it appears we are heading in the right direction! Also, there is wonderful news in conjunction with the various vaccines that are available. Across the United States, it is reported that almost a million and a half people are being vaccinated on a daily basis! In addition, it appears that there is soon to be a third vaccine, produced by Johnson & Johnson (J & J), that will be passing the final testing program and will increase the number of vaccines that can be obtained by everyone. We have noticed that more and more of our Group Leaders have either gotten, or are in the process of getting, their vaccines, which just brings so much more freedom to each and every person and gets everyone a little closer to enjoying life as they always had in the past.
I thought I would take the opportunity in my message this week to offer some answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in regards to the virus and the vaccine. The answers to these questions have been provided by the major health organizations in the country. Let me list a few of them for you here:
Question – The vaccine was developed too fast, and could it potentially have a long-term side effect that is not known at this time?
Answer – Yes, the vaccine is new, and the long-term side effect profile is not definitely known. However, the information available through the studies provides insight into what we can expect on a large scale. Each vaccine in production had over 30,000 volunteers in the trial of people who are 18 and older and who represented all demographics. All of this data is then evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration to ensure that the vaccine produced is safe and efficacious.
Question – Many times I react with flu-like symptoms after various vaccines. I am concerned that this will occur, and I will feel poorly. Could this be the case?
Answer – All vaccines will cause your body to have a response, and this shows that the vaccine working. The Covid vaccine is a 2-step vaccine and each step has a slightly different side effect. The first dose participants in the trial reported some pain at the injection site, some sluggishness, and possible headaches over the first 24-48 hours. But, remember, this is normal. Your body is starting to generate a controlled response to the virus. With the second dose, this round of the vaccine has tended to produce slight side effects in more people. But, remember that this is also perfectly normal and safe.
Question – Is there a live virus in the vaccine?
Answer – No. There is not a live virus in the vaccine. These are mRNA-based vaccines, which means it contains a synthetic snippet of the genetic code of the virus instead of a live or dead version of the virus. There are 2 doses in the vaccine to provide your body maximum ability to fight the virus. After the first dose, your body is essentially 52% trained at fighting the virus. After the second dose, your body can fight the virus away 94% of the time.
Question – My main concern is efficacy, meaning how long the protection lasts. I know that the trials show that it is 95% effective, but for how long? I have read that there are cases of people getting Covid twice, meaning having it did not provide ample immunity.
Answer – Yes, there are cases of some individuals getting Covid twice and there are many reasons for this. But, it has occurred. At this time, it is unknown if seasonal redosing of the vaccine is needed. Those involved in the trials are being evaluated for antibody production and that information is forthcoming. It is not outside the realm of possibility that the Covid vaccine becomes a yearly option, like the flu shot.
Question – Can I infect my family members who have not received the vaccine yet?
Answer – You will not spread Covid from the vaccine. Usual protection equipment and hand hygiene precautions should still be followed to ensure that Covid has not traveled in an unsuspecting way.
Question – How do we know if this vaccine will give us the virus?
Answer – The vaccine will not give you the virus. You are receiving a small part of the genetic code of the virus that lets your body mount a response without becoming infected with the full virus.
Question – How efficient is the vaccine in keeping you from getting the virus?
Answer – After the first dose, it is 52% effective and after the second dose, it is 94% effective.
Question – When does one develop protection/immunity after receiving the vaccine?
Answer – Vaccines typically take up to 14 days before they have allowed your body to produce enough antibodies to be fully effective at preventing any kind of disease.
I hope that these questions and answers will help you not only make your decision to get the vaccine, but also will help you as you can share them with your Group Members who look forward to the direction that you give them.
Speaking of looking forward to your suggestions and recommendations, we are so delighted to tell you once again that we have so many Bus Groups that are traveling with our Group Leaders all across the country beginning in March. There are many destinations that are being explored and our Group Leaders continue to inform us that their Group Members are signing up in increasing numbers now that they feel a lot more secure. They are not only getting the vaccines, but the number of positive cases of the Coronavirus are dropping significantly. So, spread that good word amongst your people also. And don’t forget our special White Star Bonus that we have been offering for the past two months, whereby if you book an additional trip of 3 or more nights for 2021, you, as the Group Leader will receive an additional $300.00 rebate on top of the original $200.00, making it a TOTAL of a $500.00 bonus to you if your trip is booked by the end of February. Again, you are under no obligation and it is just another incentive and gift from us to show you that we care.
This Week’s Staff Profile
Dean Kraras
Speaking of caring, it is now time to feature another member of our White Star Family. This week, I am most proud to present to you in this profile my son, Dean Kraras. Dean has been actively involved in our business for well over half of our 50-year existence. Even as a young boy, he used to come in and help do any chores that were needed. It is there where he developed a love for the business and where he gained the respect of so many people in our office. After graduating from college, he joined the business full time and has been a vital part of White Star for 30 years. I was very proud and exceedingly excited to have named Dean the President of White Star Tours, replacing me, four years ago. It is a very suitable role for Dean because he has wonderful leadership qualities and more than anything, he cares about people and his compassion is unsurpassed. He looks over many of our larger Group trips, such as Cape Cod, Niagara Falls, and all of the Canada destinations. But, mostly, he has assumed the position as leader of our close-knit Staff here at White Star. Again, I couldn’t be more proud of him, and I thank him for being who he is.
Now it is time for a little bit of entertainment, which I always enjoy sharing with you on a weekly basis. The first video features the very funny comedian Jeff Foxworthy. I think you will truly enjoy his brand of humor, and you can get a few laughs by clicking here.
The next piece of entertainment is one labeled, “DID YOU KNOW”. I came across this brief video that gives you some facts and figures that will actually amaze you in many ways. Enjoy them by clicking here.
Finally, I would like to offer one more video of humor featuring the famous comedian, Tim Allen. I think you will get some great chuckles in hearing one of his presentations by clicking here.
I hope you are all able to stay relatively warm wherever you are in the United States and that the snow is not disturbing your life and your lifestyle. Please keep a positive and happy attitude because, my friends, we are coming out of this terrible nightmare that we have been experiencing over the past year. Have a wonderful week, and, again, I wish you a Happy & Healthy Valentine’s Day. May God Bless You!
“THOUGH WE TRAVEL THE WORLD OVER TO FIND THE BEAUTIFUL, WE MUST CARRY IT WITH US OR WE FIND IT NOT!”