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If you’re interested in booking a flight out of the busiest airport in the world to get to the beach, one of the things that is no doubt on your mind is your safety.
Many of the nation’s top airlines are starting to book fares close to the levels that they did pre-COVID. But some travelers understandably may be apprehensive.
Is It Safe To Fly Again?
In this article, we’ll show you some of the leading resources on future travel in the pandemic era.
First of all, let’s talk about the most essential equipment you’ll need to pack and wear for you travels: Masks.
Masks
Face masks are mandatory on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation in the United States. It doesn’t matter if you’re leaving American or on your way back into the country.
Here’s where you can buy a mask.
What The Science Says
The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control & Prevention says if you’re fully vaccinated, you “can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
As to when we’ll be able to travel safely again in the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is on record as saying that it all depends on the COVID vaccine.
But the vaccine doesn’t automatically mean that we can return to traveling as normal, according to Fauci.
“Getting vaccinated does not say you have a free pass to travel,” Fauci told Forbes. “Nor does it say you have a free pass to put aside all the public health measures that we talk about all the time.”
“You can get some degree of protection that isn’t durable 10 days to 14 days after the first dose, but you can’t rely on that,” Fauci was quoted as saying. “The maximum immunity begins about 10 days to two weeks and beyond following the second dose. That goes for anyone, regardless of whether you want to travel or not.”
What The Travel Industry Says
The travel industry has implemented several safety measures to ensure that passengers feel safe and protected onboard. Some safety measures include:
- Face Coverings: Assurance that all passengers have a face covering and wear it at the airport and on board.
- Symptoms: Assurance that the passenger is not experiencing a fever, which is essentially a temperature (38C/100.4F or higher), coughing, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, chills, muscle pain and/or sore throat.
- Exposure – Assurance that the passenger has not had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms in the last 14 days.
With health officials overwhelmingly in favor of vaccines, you might be wondering how to go about travel in the next few weeks or months.
What To Do Before You Book A Flight
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
1. Decide On Your Comfort Level
No one can tell you what your comfort level is in this pandemic. It all depends on whatever risks you are willing to take.
Always weigh CDC guidance. Once you decide on an acceptable level of risk to you, then stick to that when choosing when and how to travel.
2. Try To Save Money
There’s absolutely no sense in spending a lot of money on travel if you don’t need to. Try to save money if at all possible.
Some ways you can keep more of your dollars is by checking for fare sales at the major airlines. You can also looks for cheap routes on Google Flights.
3. Make Sure Your Get Vaccinated For Flights
One thing that has been discussed, and supported by many in the airline industry, is a mandatory vaccine.
“Everything will be on the table for discussion,” Fauci has told Forbes, referring to mandatory vaccinations for airline passengers.
If you’re looking for the vaccine near you, here’s how to find it.
Final Thoughts
COVID-19 has upended life as we know for the majority, especially when it comes to travel. You may be wondering what it’s going to take to feel safe traveling by air, car or another means.
The key thing is to do your research before you book.
Also It’s very important that you DO NOT travel if you were exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or you have tested positive for COVID-19. Learn when it is safe for you to travel. Don’t travel with someone who is sick
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Single women have made some serious strides toward homeownership in the last 15 years, according to a recent report from Zillow.
The real estate platform says the share of female renters who can afford a home has increased in 37 of the top 50 metros that Zillow analyzed, including Atlanta.
Women See Increased Buying Power In Atlanta, Says Report
The metro areas with the highest single female buying power rates are:
- Cleveland (29.5%)
- Cincinnati (26.9%)
- Atlanta (25.1%)
As great as the progress for women has been, none of the metropolitan areas analyzed by Zillow show them having more purchasing power than men.
For the most part, the challenges of getting equitable pay, affordable child care and other benefits, continue to play a role in gender disparities, according to Zillow.
Here are some key findings about Atlanta:
- 25.1% of single women renters can afford a home in Atlanta. That’s 7.9% their male counterparts.
- Single female buying power increased 4.5% since 2005.
- The gap between single men and women buying power has increased 4.5% over the past 15 years.
Zillow also estimates that nearly 2 million renter households could afford homeownership if given the flexibility to work from home and move into starter homes in cheaper locales.
Are You Saving For A Home?
Although homeownership is on the rise among women in Atlanta, many still aren’t in a position to afford it.
As many businesswomen that the city produces, it seems just as many of them aren’t able to get ahead.
Because you’ll need to save money incrementally, it’s good to put together a plan to set cash aside each month. How much should you save? It depends.
Looking for a new house? Here’s how to save for a home.
Final Words
Homeownership is one of the best purchases an American can make. In Atlanta, women are making strides in that regard.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
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Marvel Studios has unveiled the new poster for the new Captain America movie and it’s none other than Sam Wilson.
The fact that the most famous shield in comics is being passed to an African-American superhero is a big moment for the MCU, which has been criticized for its role in portrayals of race.
And The MCU’s New Captain America Is…
Actor Anthony Mackie, who was Captain America’s sidekick in many of the MCU films will now take the baton. Mackie, a native of New Orleans, shared that his son was emotional when he found out who the new Captain America would be.
Mackie did several episodes leading up to the development in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, a seven-part series on Disney+
Here’s Marvel’s official poster of the new Captain America.
The series was largely filmed in Atlanta and in-studio in Fayetteville, Georgia’s Trilith Studios.
Want to watch The Falcon and The Winter Soldier for free? Here’s how.
That ecosystem is why there’s so many film jobs available in Georgia right now (Wanna get cast as an extra?). And with MCU’s Phase Four in production, there won’t be a shortage for a while.
With close to 1,000 movie and TV projects produced just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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Atlanta movie mogul Tyler Perry gave yet another inspired speech at the 2021 Oscars ceremony.
Perry, who accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, used the moment to speak out against hate and made a strong appeal to centrist views.
Video: Tyler Perry Says We Must ‘Refuse Hate’
“I refuse to hate someone because they are Mexican or because they are Black or white or LBGTQ. I refuse to hate someone because they are a police officer. I refuse to hate someone because they are Asian.,” Perry said.
In his words, Tyler used words that referenced recent tragedies that have unfolded across American of late.
The recent attacks against Asians across the United States as well as the continued police shootings of black men were just two topics that viewers were reminded of when hearing Perry’s words.
Finally, he asked that those who want a real conversation to stand “in the middle,” saying that there is were “healing happens.”
“Anyone who wants to meet me in the middle to refuse hate, to refuse blanket judgment and to help life someone’s feet off the ground, this one is for you, too,” he said to a standing ovation.
See his speech here.
As the creator of Tyler Perry Studios in southwest Atlanta, Perry is a major employer of creatives in film and TV production.
If you have dreams of making it to the big screen or small screen, you can get a job with Tyler Perry. and work on one of his BET+ productions.
Georgia has been the #1 location for big-budget movie and TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies.
Projects from Amazon Studios, CBS, Netflix, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the metro area in 2018-19 and the foreseeable future.
With more than 800 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Read More From AtlantaFi.com: -
Veleka B. is founder and CEO of SetApartandChosen, the newly improved internet channel that allows Christian and Gospel artists to perform for their fans in a virtual experience.
Due to the pandemic, many artists are having a tough time reaching their audiences through virtual touring and performances.
“”This is what motivated me to relaunch Set Apart and Chosen. Over the past year we have experienced some of the hardest times known to our generation; listening to music is entertaining, and research suggests that the psychological effects of music can be powerful,” she says.
What Is Set Apart And Chosen?
Set Apart and Chosen is a platform that allows churches, gospel artists and faith-based organizations to continue to reach their audiences by equipping them with marketing tools and social media skills.
Set Apart and Chosen can also provide content to the channels that faith-based organizations have already set up to retain visitors.
“We want to explore the benefits of partnering with artists to help them share their music and tour experiences while also helping to monetize their social media platforms,” she says.
Want to do business with Set Apart and Chosen? Learn more here.
You also may be interested in the best black farms and farmers in Atlanta. And we can’t forget about the top grocery stores.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Donald Williams, CEO/founder of Atlanta-based small business consulting firm, Suivant Consulting, created and recently launched the Mom Boss Grant.
The $1,000 grant was created to support Atlanta’s single mother entrepreneurs on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Know A Single Mom In Atlanta? Get Them To Apply For A Mom Grant
Williams hopes that the grants can help eliminate some of the barriers to funding that many women entrepreneurs face as they try to build their businesses.
“My mother has always played a strong role in my life,” Williams says in a statement. “I currently own two businesses with offices in two different states and I credit the words and encouragement from my mom for much of my success. As an accountant and small business consulting, I understand the difficulties many women face acquiring funding. As if it wasn’t hard enough, mothers – who split their time between building their business, managing employees and raising a family – tend to find it more difficult just finding time to access funds. That is why the Mom Boss grant is so important to me.”
Williams has long been someone who gives back to the community. In February 2020, he presented one deserving entrepreneur with a $5,000 grant through the “Be Your Own Boss” pitch competition. He has also worked closely with the Atlanta Children’s Shelter’s annual Christmas toy drive.
How To Apply For A Mom Boss Grant
A winner will be notified by Friday, May 7, and announced publicly on Mother’s Day, May 9.
Interested in applying for a $1,000 Mom Boss Grant? Click HERE.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Greenwood Bank, the black and Latino-centered banking initiative originating from Atlanta entrepreneurs, will launch a debit card with the MasterCard logo, the company announced.
The Greenwood Bank digital platform is expected to launch later in the year.
Greenwood And Mastercard Partner For Greenwood Debit Card
The bank will offer an upgraded Greenwood Premium membership that comes with the following perks:
- An exclusive metal Greenwood World Debit Mastercard
- Identity Fraud Expense Reimbursement insurance
- Enhanced luxury travel services
- 90 days of Purchase Assurance on damaged or stolen goods
- Discounted access to private golf courses, free lessons and more
How Will Greenwood Bank’s Debit Card Look?
Here’s a glimpse of how Greenwood Bank’s debit card will look. Notice the metallic design. It is expected to also include a MasterCard logo.
Greenwood Bank comes from the minds of three Atlanta businessmen who have walked different paths to get to the top.
Former Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, rapper and real estate czar Michael ‘Killer Mike’ Render and local media executive Ryan Glover, are the proprietors of Greenwood Bank.
“As Greenwood works toward bringing practical products to market this summer, it’s encouraging to know that Mastercard is aligned with our mission of economic empowerment for people of color,” said Glover, Chairman and Co-Founder of Greenwood. “Mastercard’s desire to partner with us to produce content that will speak directly to our community while also providing access to the exclusive World Debit program means Greenwood customers will get a best-in-class product and the tools to grow wealth. Both of these benefits map directly to our mission.”
Greenwood Bank aims to solve one of the main problems hindering economic interests in America’s underserved communities: Lack of capital.
See how Greenwood Bank plans to reshape the financial landscape in the community.
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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You don’t have to be stuck in the house (well you kind of do) this weekend and resort of endless hours of boredom. There’s actually quite a few happenings going on.
Here Are The Best Virtual Things To Do In Atlanta This Week
If youwant to check out some programming at no cost, here are five free virtual events being put on by the Atlanta Film Festival.
The National Antiracist Book Festival
On Saturday, April 24, 2021, Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research will host the 2nd Annual National Antiracist Book Festival. This event will be held virtually to protect the safety of our community. Learn more.
Dad’s Garage
The Atlanta sketch comedy crew at Dad’s Garage are still bringing you knee-slapping humor on a weekly basis. The only difference is it’s via their Twitch account.
Online Yoga Classes
Mandy Roberts, owner/founder of the popular Decatur based studio, hasn’t reopened her studio yet, but she is offering online classes!
To help provide yoga practice and wellness to those who have been impacted by COVID-19 and may no longer be able to afford it, she’s started the SEVA scholarship, offering full access to the online class catalog.
Head to FormYoga.com for details.
Soca Tworkout Fitness Online Classes
GET READY TO WHINE ONLINE!!! Soca Tworkout Fitness is a dance workout program that uses dance as a way to help TONE and SCULPT your body while burning calories. Get ready to SWEAT!
You can expect to receive the link to the live stream via email a few hours before the class.
Virtual Music Class, Anyone?
Have you always wanted to learn piano or the mandolin? Music Authority in Cumming is offering virtual music lessons for people of all skill levels. Check out Music Authority for classes.
AJFF Movie Series
Photo credit: Keagan Henman / Unsplash The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is launching a series of free virtual programming for movie lovers and is kicking it off with AJFF In Conversation, a monthly webinar series as well as a biweekly podcast. Check out AJFF.com.
Get Your Home Gym On
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels Are you tired of being at home and not working out? Here’s how you can get your own home gym for $60 or less.
Quarantine Drinks: What To Make While Self-Isolating
What To Drink Right Now While You’re Self-Isolating Quarantine sounds like a grim thing, but it doesn’t have to be. This necessary period can be used to reset and just to take a moment. You deserve it.Get your dranky drank on.
Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency. More definitive advice on health, please visit CDC.gov. Here are some helpful links:
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Georgia is trying to get all the residents who want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 a shot in the arm.
To make the process easier, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta is taking Georgia residents who need their first and second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech without an appointment.
Georgians Are Signing Up For COVID Vaccine: Here’s Where To Find The Shot
If you go to Gate 1, you will be registered on-site, according to health officials.
The process to get the COVID vaccine opened up to all Georgia adults on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Those who are eligible hurried to COVID vaccine websites to register to get vaccinated
You may want to know who is and isn’t eligible for the COVID shot in Georgia. Here’s the deal:
Regardless of whether you have symptoms, all Georgians can get tested for coronavirus. All you have to do is contact any Georgia public health department to schedule an appointment.
With a massive increase in vaccines coming to the Peach State, Gov. Brian Kemp opened up administration of the coronavirus doses so that things can get close to “normal” soon.
Kemp’s move comes as the state announced that all public venues can have up to 2,000 people in them beginning May 1.
All Georgia Adults Will Be Eligible To Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine
If you can’t seem to get an appointment in metro Atlanta, Kemp is asking Georgians to travel to the southern part of the state, which has more vaccine appointments available.
To get vaccinated in Atlanta, Georgia, here is the latest information from public health officials.
“Public health departments are scheduling vaccines by appointment only, as are most other providers,” according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. “Depending on vaccine supply allocations from the federal government, it may be weeks before additional providers will have vaccine available for quicker and more widespread distribution.”
Where Can I Find The COVID Vaccine In Atlanta, Georgia?
These Georgia Stores And Pharmacies are taking appointments to administer the COVID shot:
Want more options? Here is where you can find the COVID vaccine in Atlanta and other parts of Georgia.
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Production on the sequel to Black Panther will remain in Georgia, according to its director.Ryan Coogler penned a letter about Georgia’s recent passing of restrictive voting laws. In the article, which was published on several entertainment websites, Coogler acknowledges the destruction that Georgia’s recently passed voting laws could do to local businesses.Black Panther 2 Director Ryan Coogler Says Production Will Remain In Georgia
Here is Coogler’s statement, according to Deadline.
The fight for full enfranchisement is fundamental to the African-American struggle in this country and to this country’s claim to functioning democracy. As an African-American, and as a citizen, I oppose all attempts, explicit and otherwise, to shrink the electorate and reduce access to the ballot. I say this as I return to Georgia, a state that holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Atlanta for eight months while filming my last movie. I have long looked forward to returning. But, when I was informed of the passage of SB202 in the state, and its ramifications for the state’s voters, I was profoundly disappointed.
But that’s also the reason why Coogler decided to keep production of Black Panther 2 in the Peach State.“Many of the people employed by [Black Panther 2], including all the local vendors and businesses we engage, are the very same people who will bear the brunt of SB202,” Coogler wrote.“Our film is staying in Georgia,” Coogler added. “Additionally, I have made a personal commitment to raise awareness about ways to help overturn this harmful bill, and continue to get educated on this matter from people on the ground. I will encourage everyone working with me to tap in with the local community directly affected by Senate Bill 202 and to leverage their influence and resources to aid in the fight for this particular and essential pillar of democracy.”
In response to the letter, political activist and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams tweeted her support of Coogler. “Thank you to Ryan Coogler and #BlackPanther2 for staying in Georgia and fighting for access to democracy. #gapol #WakandaForever
Black Panther 2 is set to begin filming in the summertime. For its production code and casting calls, stay with AtlantaFi.com.Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.Black Panther 2 is just one of many films filmed in Atlanta. See our Movies Page for more.Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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