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Hi!Since I started my walk from Burgos last year 17th of April and finished in Santiago 20th of May ( yes !.. i took my time!!)
I can only say that I have some bookings for late May and June. One of the businesses sent me an email basically saying - please don't cancel, we're still hoping to open as soon as we're able.I’ll say upfront that I’m not trying to rush things and I’m not minimizing the present moment with so much suffering, death, grief, financial insecurity, fear, and anxiety. Both in Spain and in many of our home countries( I’m from the US). I also know that no one can predict when pilgrims will again appear on the Camino and be welcomed. I offer a prayer for all those many who are affected by this virus and all those giving their all and risking their lives.
Having said that, I was just wondering if any of you have been contacting albergues along the CF and if so, are they are booking reservations and what start date are they forecasting.
I took over Albergue Villares de Órbigo on March 13th and closed my doors two days later.
Understandably I have received email cancellations for the months April and May, others have not yet officially cancelled, probably because they assume I know they won't be coming. It still is polite to do so.
No one has yet to cancel for June but the Camino will not be up and running by then, not because we do not want to but because the health situation here in Spain will not allow it. At this point we don't even know how long we will be in lockdown. For sure it will be extended in one form or another beyond April 25th.
It is a waiting game, for us all. And although I am on the ground and live on the Camino Francés, I have no crystal ball
Ultreia!
LTfit - I hope my 3 friends and I will meet you in late July-early August 2020!I took over Albergue Villares de Órbigo on March 13th and closed my doors two days later.
Understandably I have received email cancellations for the months April and May, others have not yet officially cancelled, probably because they assume I know they won't be coming. It still is polite to do so.
No one has yet to cancel for June but the Camino will not be up and running by then, not because we do not want to but because the health situation here in Spain will not allow it. At this point we don't even know how long we will be in lockdown. For sure it will be extended in one form or another beyond April 25th.
It is a waiting game, for us all. And although I am on the ground and live on the Camino Francés, I have no crystal ball
Ultreia!
I had a full trip starting June 3 in Portugal..part of me says start working on the cancellations, but another part of me says be patient, it may change...April will tell...TBH, if they opened up in May, I would be on my flight and going..blessings to all affected by this, but I think positive thoughts moving forward is healing...at least it is for me. Peace!I can only say that I have some bookings for late May and June. One of the businesses sent me an email basically saying - please don't cancel, we're still hoping to open as soon as we're able.
I don't think I will be able to go then, but I can afford to wait and see.
The world is not going to stop for 18 months. Life will go on. If I'm able I will probably go. It's your choice.I had a full trip starting June 3 in Portugal..part of me says start working on the cancellations, but another part of me says be patient, it may change...April will tell...TBH, if they opened up in May, I would be on my flight and going..blessings to all affected by this, but I think positive thoughts moving forward is healing...at least it is for me. Peace!
The international skiing federation (FIS) has warned today that all arrangements/competitions for the next season are now most likely to be cancelled. Health experts are expecting a second, stronger outburst the coming autumn.The world is not going to stop for 18 months. Life will go on. If I'm able I will probably go. It's your choice.
Rural Spain has gone through severe economic problems in the past, so I wouldn't write off the albergues and bars permanently yet. Plus numbers fluctuate dramatically according to whether it's a holy year or not, so there's some kind of a medium term buffer built in, as this pandemic didn't happen in a holy year. But realistically, I can't see anything happening on the caminos this year. Next year is holy year, so with any luck in getting tests and vaccines in place, it might be like a fairly quiet normal year for numbers.I fear that many private albergues, bars & restaurants along the various Caminos will never open again, but if they do, it will be for next season/year.
The same has been in my thoughts. A Holy Year next year may be a lifesaver for the Caminos, given that this pandemic is gone by then.Next year is holy year, so with any luck in getting tests and vaccines in place, it might be like a fairly quiet normal year for numbers.
Our mind state, reflections, re Camino are interesting aren't they ... even during WW11 the UK people were thinking of the future, what they would do after the war .. and I think our mental processes are the same - it is what humans do and, to me it is a positive thing.
The following is a post, written yesterday, from Sue and Fermin at the wonderful Casa Susi albergue at Trabadelo. It’s on their Casa Susi Facebook page:
“Today would have been the start of Season 4.
We are incredibly sad that our doors remain closed.
There is no laughter in our albergue.
No pilgrims with blisters or lost towels.
No one singing or international accents.
No hugs of joy from old friends of ten days ago that have missed each other.
No bookings to be made or dinners to prepare.
There is only silence here.
With ‘hope’ that one day the world will ‘right’ itself and our doors will open again ...”
@LTfit - I think of you as I reflect on these sad words from Sue and Fermin and I think of every albergue owner on the Camino whose doors must remain shut.
With support from Oz as we continue to navigate our way through this truly awful virus.
Jenny xxx
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Normally I don´t book Albergues in advance, but for my Camino in June, I needed a place to meet with my sister, who wanted to join me after the first week, so I booked in January a room in the Albergue Casa Maralotx in Cirauqui.
A few days ago I looked at their website and they started a campaign of booking in advance for the time after Corona. They asked the pilgrims to pay now and get a voucher and during your visite a little discount to the normal price.
I know that there are safer investments, but I hate doing nothing. If the Albergue does not survive this difficult time, the price for this one night stay, which I have now paid in advance, will not ruin me. Now the risk must be spread over many shoulders,
And if many pilgrims help many Albergues in this way, I´m sure we can achieve a lot
@LTfit Would this perhaps be an idea that you could offer to your guests who have already made reservations?
No business will survive a year without income coming in. Of course new businesses will open up when people come back, but people will need to earn a living in the meantime.Rural Spain has gone through severe economic problems in the past, so I wouldn't write off the albergues and bars permanently yet. Plus numbers fluctuate dramatically according to whether it's a holy year or not, so there's some kind of a medium term buffer built in, as this pandemic didn't happen in a holy year. But realistically, I can't see anything happening on the caminos this year. Next year is holy year, so with any luck in getting tests and vaccines in place, it might be like a fairly quiet normal year for numbers.
Normally I don´t book Albergues in advance, but for my Camino in June, I needed a place to meet with my sister, who wanted to join me after the first week, so I booked in January a room in the Albergue Casa Maralotx in Cirauqui.
A few days ago I looked at their website and they started a campaign of booking in advance for the time after Corona. They asked the pilgrims to pay now and get a voucher and during your visite a little discount to the normal price.
I know that there are safer investments, but I hate doing nothing. If the Albergue does not survive this difficult time, the price for this one night stay, which I have now paid in advance, will not ruin me. Now the risk must be spread over many shoulders,
And if many pilgrims help many Albergues in this way, I´m sure we can achieve a lot
@LTfit Would this perhaps be an idea that you could offer to your guests who have already made reservations?
I don't see a picture of the Camino Buff or how to order it. What am I missing?Thank you Michael for your suggestion. As I do not use Booking.com, when pilgrims make reservations there is no payment involved. I just trust that they will show up! Using a service as Booking comes with a fees and I try to keep my costs down.
There have been several Forum members who have contacted me, either to give me support (thank you!) or to offer to pay for a room for their virtual Camino. As I don't have Booking.com the only way I envision doing this is through a PayPal payment. Another idea is to check out my Camino de Santiago Buff resource:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-santiago-graffiti-buff-april-2020-update.80/. I have updated the information and have in fact added a few payment options to my PayPal button for those who would like to help out.
I have thought quite some time about all this - and Mods if you do not find this appropriate just delete, I certainly don't want to take advantage of this Forum. I have been quite reluctant to respond to offers up until now as so many of us are in difficult situations but maybe I should just accept the kind offers.
Ultreia dear pilgrims, I hope to be able to welcome you all in my home.
I don't see a picture of the Camino Buff or how to order it. What am I missing?
Yes, I figured out how to purchase, but I still haven't found a photo of the Buff. I understand though that it's based on some Camino graffiti.I see that you figured it out
The link takes you to the Resource Buff page and on the upper right hand corner there is an orange button that takes you to the PayPal page
We ( Vagabond VIEIRAS ) are still under construction at our donativo in La Portela de Valcarce but based on news we have heard, we anticipate sometime in the fall / winter. There is a good article about Spain’s plans in relation to re-opening the country to tourism it’s in the ABC.I’ll say upfront that I’m not trying to rush things and I’m not minimizing the present moment with so much suffering, death, grief, financial insecurity, fear, and anxiety. Both in Spain and in many of our home countries( I’m from the US). I also know that no one can predict when pilgrims will again appear on the Camino and be welcomed. I offer a prayer for all those many who are affected by this virus and all those giving their all and risking their lives.
Having said that, I was just wondering if any of you have been contacting albergues along the CF and if so, are they are booking reservations and what start date are they forecasting.
Finally figured out Paypal.
Thank you!
Here are the steps to purchase the Camino Buff.
Click on the link
Then click on the PayPal button
View attachment 72955
Then click on the drop down menu button
View attachment 72956
Choose Purchase Camino de Santiago Buff
View attachment 72957
Change amount to 20,00€
View attachment 72958
Rules that have been hard and fast on many things, from educational requirements to voting, have been changed overnight by this virus. St Peter’s Square is empty during Holy Week. Perhaps, if things aren’t contained enough to allow huge transnational crowds pouring into Spain to sleep and eat in crowded albergues, the Holy Year for the Camino might be extended to the following year, or even declared for all pilgrimage routes everywhere for the year following vaccine production: get tourism in those places and also religion back into business with a boost. If I were in charge of an albergue or a church, I’d start floating the idea of a special pilgrimage year worldwide to bring us all back together after painful isolation.The same has been in my thoughts. A Holy Year next year may be a lifesaver for the Caminos, given that this pandemic is gone by then.
Wow, sorry you had to close. I was supposed to finish my camino this month from Leon to Santiago, then Finisterre and Muxia. Had listed your alberque to stay at (don't make reservations). I am praying for all of Spain and for your and your alberque. I hope everyone is soon healthy and businesses are able to reopen - but, of course, only when it is safe for all. Please keep us posted - it is helpful to hear from someone on the ground.I took over Albergue Villares de Órbigo on March 13th and closed my doors two days later.
Understandably I have received email cancellations for the months April and May, others have not yet officially cancelled, probably because they assume I know they won't be coming. It still is polite to do so.
No one has yet to cancel for June but the Camino will not be up and running by then, not because we do not want to but because the health situation here in Spain will not allow it. At this point we don't even know how long we will be in lockdown. For sure it will be extended in one form or another beyond April 25th.
It is a waiting game, for us all. And although I am on the ground and live on the Camino Francés, I have no crystal ball
Ultreia!
Thanks Jenny for sharing these thoughts from Casa Susi. A lot of sad hearts here that sympathize ...and hope.The following is a post, written yesterday, from Sue and Fermin at the wonderful Casa Susi albergue at Trabadelo. It’s on their Casa Susi Facebook page:
“Today would have been the start of Season 4.
We are incredibly sad that our doors remain closed.
There is no laughter in our albergue.
No pilgrims with blisters or lost towels.
No one singing or international accents.
No hugs of joy from old friends of ten days ago that have missed each other.
No bookings to be made or dinners to prepare.
There is only silence here.
With ‘hope’ that one day the world will ‘right’ itself and our doors will open again ...”
@LTfit - I think of you as I reflect on these sad words from Sue and Fermin and I think of every albergue owner on the Camino whose doors must remain shut.
With support from Oz as we continue to navigate our way through this truly awful virus.
Jenny xxx
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I have the same thoughts. Flights for early June to walk Santiago to Porto and being patient and hopeful too, praying for this pandemic to be over soon so we can get some normality - it really depends on international travel restrictions...anyhow let’s enjoy the quiet Easter for nowI had a full trip starting June 3 in Portugal..part of me says start working on the cancellations, but another part of me says be patient, it may change...April will tell...TBH, if they opened up in May, I would be on my flight and going..blessings to all affected by this, but I think positive thoughts moving forward is healing...at least it is for me. Peace!
My heart wants yet another camino (still wanting to get 365 camino days before I stop).
My mind says that the world will never be the way it was. Humanity's only working tool to suppress transmission is social distancing. For most of us, the camino experience is the opposite of social distancing. Until the medical experts (virologists and epidemiologists) can propose a new paradigm, and the policy makers and politicians issue new rules and guidelines, I fear there will not be another camino.
I cannot imagine any rule or process that would make albergues a safe haven until there is a vaccine with an official card proving valid vaccination or antibodies. That seems some 18 months off.
Yes, well. The last time I had to prove I had a vaccination it was for yellow fever. Which, quite frankly, is a lot more scary than Covid 19. It is not compulsory to stay in an Albergue. And if I have to have to prove I'm vaccinated to enter an Albergue I ain't staying in one. I may just buy a new tent. About time I did that, anyway. It's quieter and usually cleaner.I fully agree, unfortunately no Camino should start, without having a vaccine, and new regulation about official card proving valid vaccination ... It is not about the social distance during walking only, it is mainly about the sleeping circumstances, the crowded albergues... Please don't forget that this is also to protects our hosts, hospitaleros, not just the pilgrims.
I'm due to start my first Camino Frances in mid-SeptI’ll say upfront that I’m not trying to rush things and I’m not minimizing the present moment with so much suffering, death, grief, financial insecurity, fear, and anxiety. Both in Spain and in many of our home countries( I’m from the US). I also know that no one can predict when pilgrims will again appear on the Camino and be welcomed. I offer a prayer for all those many who are affected by this virus and all those giving their all and risking their lives.
Having said that, I was just wondering if any of you have been contacting albergues along the CF and if so, are they are booking reservations and what start date are they forecasting.
Whose recording of the Easter Oratorio? After walking the Camino last year an equal highlight for me was spending a month in Leipzig listening to about a dozen cantatas in St Thomas Church, where Bach served for 27 yearsStaying in an albergue (which we used to call a Refugio) is not an obligatory part of a pilgrimage. The object of a pilgrimage is to worship at the tomb of a saint or other venerated place. It is entirely acceptable to make a pilgrimage by any means of transport you choose, and stay in any accommodation you wish to use.
If you believe that the journey is the important part of your travel, then that's fine. But in that case it isn't a Catholic pilgrimage so you might as well go for your walk any place you choose that is open to you, and there is no reason to finish at any specific place. Every country in Europe has long distance footpaths full of cultural treasures. Many countries outside Europe have an equivalent, with either historical or natural interest. How about getting to know some other places to walk? Many will be available before Camino Santiago. You can return to Spain when things have settled down some more. Spain does not depend only on tourism, any more than other countries.
And if what you want is a pilgrimage, and you want to walk it, I'll be prepared to bet cash money that I can find you one nearer to your home, wherever you happen to live. Probably close enough for you to walk both ways. You can always stay in hotels, you can use what you save on air fares to pay for your accommodation.
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Perhaps you could spend some of the day meditating on the good things that are still happening in the world, and being grateful for what you have. If you wanted to go to Church and can't do so, then I'm sure you can find a service on television or the radio. I shall be playing Bach's Easter Oratorio very loudly.
The criteria for reopening California announced by Governor Gavin Newsom seems like a starting point for what ‘the new normal’ may look like. This is likely to be the policy position of a coalition of Governors in Western USA states as they ignore national politics and decide on what is best for their citizens and businesses. We still are missing much scientific information on covid, and the politics and economics is still shaking out, but this is at least a glimpse of what may need to happen before a partial lifting of the lockdown is likely.
These are the six indicators that Newsom says will guide California's decision-making:
- "The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
- "The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
- "The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
- "The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
- "The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
- "The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary."
All 6 things look logical but very high level with no detail; and none give me optimism that a my next desired camino will remotely resemble the experiences of the past. (Yes, California is not Spain, but…………………….) I think my next camino only occur after I can receive an effective vaccine-and can travel with all kinds of new constraints as yet unknown.
Thanks for the info, very helpful and very logical. I’m glad to be a resident and voter in California. Thanks also for your reflections—I quite agree with your tentative-not-really-conclusions- but-the-best-we-have-at-this-moment.The criteria for reopening California announced by Governor Gavin Newsom seems like a starting point for what ‘the new normal’ may look like. This is likely to be the policy position of a coalition of Governors in Western USA states as they ignore national politics and decide on what is best for their citizens and businesses. We still are missing much scientific information on covid, and the politics and economics is still shaking out, but this is at least a glimpse of what may need to happen before a partial lifting of the lockdown is likely.
These are the six indicators that Newsom says will guide California's decision-making:
- "The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
- "The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
- "The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
- "The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
- "The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
- "The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary."
All 6 things look logical but very high level with no detail; and none give me optimism that a my next desired camino will remotely resemble the experiences of the past. (Yes, California is not Spain, but…………………….) I think my next camino only occur after I can receive an effective vaccine-and can travel with all kinds of new constraints as yet unknown.
That is very similar to the list given by the EU. There were only 3 points on that list but basically covering the same things.The criteria for reopening California announced by Governor Gavin Newsom seems like a starting point for what ‘the new normal’ may look like. This is likely to be the policy position of a coalition of Governors in Western USA states as they ignore national politics and decide on what is best for their citizens and businesses. We still are missing much scientific information on covid, and the politics and economics is still shaking out, but this is at least a glimpse of what may need to happen before a partial lifting of the lockdown is likely.
These are the six indicators that Newsom says will guide California's decision-making:
- "The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
- "The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
- "The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
- "The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
- "The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
- "The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary."
All 6 things look logical but very high level with no detail; and none give me optimism that a my next desired camino will remotely resemble the experiences of the past. (Yes, California is not Spain, but…………………….) I think my next camino only occur after I can receive an effective vaccine-and can travel with all kinds of new constraints as yet unknown.
Yes, well. The last time I had to prove I had a vaccination it was for yellow fever. Which, quite frankly, is a lot more scary than Covid 19. It is not compulsory to stay in an Albergue. And if I have to have to prove I'm vaccinated to enter an Albergue I ain't staying in one. I may just buy a new tent. About time I did that, anyway. It's quieter and usually cleaner.
@alhartman, high level, yes. And it is likely that the interpretation will vary around the world.All 6 things look logical but very high level with no detail; and none give me optimism that a my next desired camino will remotely resemble the experiences of the past. (Yes, California is not Spain, but…………………….) I think my next camino only occur after I can receive an effective vaccine-and can travel with all kinds of new constraints as yet unknown.
More likely to impact Camino plans, will be the potential requirements to redesign lodgings, like hostals and albergues, so that dorms become less the norm,
I think that you mean hostels, not hostales. Hostales are very basic hotels with private rooms and baths.
It's not about hating vaccinations. They are a very good thing. When they exist. This one doesn't and may never. Wanting it is one thing. Having it is another. Shutting down the world's economy while we wait for a vaccine is also not a good thing.
I do not need access to albergues. I have traveled fairly widely, and I find hotels perfectly acceptable, thank you, on the occasions when I do not wish to camp. Food is widely available in France and Spain.
Our hosts will use their judgement as to when they open their facilities to us. Local people will need to earn money and will decide what risks they are prepared to take. I will use mine as to when I travel once travel is possible, as I am sure you will use yours. I choose not to use crowded communal lodgings, and to get my showers elsewhere. Last time I stayed on a campsite they had perfectly good showers.
The whole world is working on the vaccinations. Can you imagine what a prestige it will be for the company who has it first? The vaccination will be available by the end of this year - the beginning of next year, scientists says. It just takes time to make the necessary tests. Than they need to produce the vaccinations in large scale and make it available for the public. It might take months. Then countries will have to purchase them for their citizens.
The question is who will get it first and when exactly - but we will have them for sure. Of course, not all countries will be able to get it, some will have it much before than the others.
Economy... money first... surprisingly that is what I hear all the time in the UK. There is no economy without people... The lock down is about saving human lives.
Hotels? No more comments...
I agree. Research scientists will get some ‘humble-bragging rights’ recognition for their contributions to the whole.So in my mind, I do not believe that a single entity will have the prestige for developing a COVID-19 vaccination protocol.
Davebugg, you are completely right in everything you wrote. My point was that vaccinations will be available soon, and I think you agree with that.Yours is an interesting post.
International pandemic and national epidemic illnesses, in which vaccine development is possible, tends to be an intense Public-Private partnership. Often times, it is the BLS-4 laboratories, which are, primarily, government facilities that describe and characterize a pathogen's genome for targets for potential vaccine development.
Research is the most time consuming process, and involves huge expenditures of government time and money. Private pharmaceutical companies that do vaccine development all have equal access to that research. Governments will be further involved by funding much of what pharma companies will do in order to bring an effective vaccine protocol online. Government scientists will work with Pharma all through this phase.
So up to this point, no one Pharma corp will be able to really claim that a COVID-19 vaccine is 'their' discovery. In fact, not only is this going on in individual nations that have such capabilities, but it will be considered an international effort.
For instance, the American CDC's BLS-4 research, is being shared with Pastuer in France, and the DZIF in Germany. . among others.
What government needs from private Pharma is its capacity for production. Vaccine production for COVID-19 will involve every vaccine production facility in the world. Germany, UK, America, France, etc will have their private Pharma industries going full tilt at fulfilling demand after reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.
So in my mind, I do not believe that a single entity will have the prestige for developing a COVID-19 vaccination protocol.
Yours is an interesting post.
For instance, the American CDC's BLS-4 research, is being shared with Pastuer in France, and the DZIF in Germany. . among others.
Davebugg, you are completely right in everything you wrote. My point was that vaccinations will be available soon, and I think you agree with that.
I need to apologize, because I mixed two things up. One thing is the VACCINATION (for protect us not to have the virus) the other is the cure, the MEDICINE for the disease, once you already got it. That is the one which I believe will be in private "hands", as the market is highly competitive, and who ever has a medicine, will gain a lot.
For now they are testing on humans who have COVID-19 the existing medicines which are already available in the market to see if they could work as a cure for this disease. We know they won't kill humans, they were tested already, so they try to see if one of the existing medicines might help COVID-19 patients. (Currently medicine against malaria, or HIV, approx, 50-60 medicines are tested according to Boston University scientists). Because it takes so much time to develop a new medicine, and we need cure now. That is what I meant - sorry for the confusion.
2nd attempt - I hit post before I had written a reply!! sorry. I don't know how to delete (or if it is possible.
What I intended to add is that for this non intellectual Aussie I have no idea what this means! Nothing I tried made sense with letters like CDC's, BLS-4 & DZIF. In Aust. a C is likely to stand for Commonwealth - but I doubt that is the case in this instance! Yes on this forum abbreviations like CF, VdlP, & VF can be figured out - but your abbreviations had me stumped! It takes me all my time to keep abreast of Australian abbreviations, (for example - things like DFAT - Dept. of Foreign affairs and Trade etc.).
2nd attempt - I hit post before I had written a reply!! sorry. I don't know how to delete (or if it is possible.
What I intended to add is that for this non intellectual Aussie I have no idea what this means! Nothing I tried made sense with letters like CDC's, BLS-4 & DZIF. In Aust. a C is likely to stand for Commonwealth - but I doubt that is the case in this instance! Yes on this forum abbreviations like CF, VdlP, & VF can be figured out - but your abbreviations had me stumped! It takes me all my time to keep abreast of Australian abbreviations, (for example - things like DFAT - Dept. of Foreign affairs and Trade etc.).
I appreciate your clarifications.
Perhaps it is helpful to distinguish between a drug that 'cures', versus drugs which are 'treatments'.
Including HIV, I believe that there are no cures for a viral illness. I doubt that there will be a cure developed for COVID-19.
A cure is defined as a drug protocol that is administered after a person is exposed and infected by a virus, but prior to the development of a symptomatic illness. The treatment kills and eliminates the virus before the immune system can become fully involved and effective in its defensive response to deal with the virus.
Treatments. As you posted, there are numerous trials for drugs and drug combinations, some of which will soon be approved as effective treatments for COVID-19.
A treatment can be defined as medications or other protocols that work to decrease the viral response after illness occurs. The drugs assist the immune system to eliminate the virus from the body. This is done by the drug slowing down one or more stages of viral replication. This then allows the immune system time to 'catch up' and get ahead of the viruses ability to replicate. And to kill cells that are infected so that they cannot be used to reproduce new viral particles. That leads to recovery from the disease.
Treatments will also lessen impacts to body systems caused by infection. Lungs, kidneys, hearts and livers, etc. remain healthier and less prone to failure. This is because the viral load in the body is reduced by the treatment, which means fewer targeted body cells can be damaged from the virus.
Out of all the viral diseases that humans can contract, we have only a small handful of vaccines. Vaccines are hard to make. From all that I have been observing and researching, I do not believe a vaccine is close to development for COVID-19.
That said, things are looking promising that a vaccine can be developed. . . it will eventually happen. I do think it will be awhile before development, testing, and production of a vaccine makes its way to the public. It is my belief that long before vaccine development and public vaccination is at high levels in the global community, things like tourism and work and commerce, etc. will be fully open, and that regular day-to-day routines will be restored.
Also, it is important to recognize that the rate of effectiveness for vaccines is never 100%. Depending on the vaccine, the effectiveness lies somewhere in the range of 45 to 85%. Additionally, there is a percentage of the population which will not be able to take the vaccine, based on medical histories and risks of complications.
So between the effectiveness rate of vaccines, and those who can't be immunized, there will always be quite a few people who will not be vaccinated.
So this is where my thoughts are right now. This situation with COVID-19 is very fluid, and developments can pop up at any time. That means that my crystal ball is in a state of dynamic flux
This is not the place to ask for or provide expert opinion on medical issues. These posts are straying into areas that might be suitable for a medical forum. While we have many members who are "experts" in various areas, the forum has no mechanism for monitoring and evaluating quality of the information posted. There are differences of opinion even among experts, so it is best to limit our discussions here.Now that we know you are an expert may I ask something?
We already know, that one can not be immune even if he had COVID-19 (we can catch it again).
Thank you for this post davebugg. Now that we know you are an expert may I ask something? They can't cure the viral illness in case of HIV on flu either. We already know, that one can not be immune even if he had COVID-19 (we can catch it again). So I am I right thinking that the goal of scientists is actually to reduce the number of people who have it in one time? So the SARS or COVID-19 virus (and the risk to catch it) will be always there from now on, but humans will try to reduce the number of people who have it at one time?
I think it is important to know... even from the point of view of travelling to the Camino or elsewhere.
Well said!There is much we know, yet so much we do not.
All of the above means that there are, as yet, no concrete answers as to things like vaccines, treatments, and when the risk of new infections from COVID-19 will decrease to the point of opening tourism and travel again.
Everything discussed about COVID-19, as it pertains to treatments, vaccinations and when we can return to the Camino de Santiago, is based on some form of speculation at this time.
Thank you for your post Davidbugg I am sure we all learned from it a lot.
I am pleased you made it clear that "any viral illness that humans become ill from, a percentage of those who recover will still be able to get infected again". There is a scientific consensus about that.
Understanding more what is happening, analyzing the facts, the possible paths helps us to get closer to the answer "when the Camino again has pilgrims?"
Sadly I have to agree with you, that "as yet, no concrete answers as to things like vaccines, treatments, and when the risk of new infections from COVID-19 will decrease to the point of opening tourism and travel again."
I think it is actually an answer for many, who think, they could start in June, or July.. or September... and that is why it was worth writing all of this down.
So many bookings, have you tried just walking day by day and stopping when tired? Amazing somedays further some shorter, fun. Not judging, each walk own walk, but I like the randomness and comradeship of someone saying you fancy meeting for dinner here so you both stop.My wife and I are / were planning to walk CF for the fourth time this fall - mid Sept to late Oct. Late last year I made private room reservations for every night. About 2/3 of the reservations were made on Booking.com and should still be valid. I can cancel without penalty up to two weeks ahead. The remaining third of reservations I made directly with the private albergues. I plan to wait until June or July to check with them and determine whether to cancel or reconfirm.
I like that pace...! Sounds wonderful!
/BP
[/QUOT I take my time on the Camino because I dont need to book a precise date of return.
I stop by anything which catch my eye; a flower a dog a nice landscape ... take photos, lay down on the grass a little bit etcFREEDOM in the little things !!
That’s why I like to walk alone because my behaviour is erratic and could put on the nerves of anyone , I
Think!
The positive side is that I am always in good mood and smiling and I really appreciate company during my tortilla cafe con leche morning break and when I get to the Albergue and meet the other pilgrims!!
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