5 Things You Need to Know: 11/08/21

The U.S. reopened borders for fully vaccinated foreign travelers

The United States has officially reopened its borders for fully vaccinated foreign travelers after 18 months of restrictions. According to the new rules, fully vaccinated foreigners are allowed to enter the U.S. with proof of vaccination and a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of the travel date. 

Unvaccinated Americans and children under 18 reentering the U.S. are only required to take a test within one day of the travel date. 

According to the New York Times, this ends a restriction that left families separated from loved ones and cost the global travel industry hundreds of billions of dollars in tourism revenue.

Houston Astroworld Tragedy

Eight people were killed during a crowd surge at Travis Scott’s Astroworld performance in Houston on  Nov. 5. The cause of surge is still under investigation according to the New York Times. 

Some were pleading for help while pressed against the barricades, unable to breathe, and others continued to dance unknowingly. Soon, an ambulance entered the crowd, and after stopping the music for a matter of seconds, Scott instructed the crowd, “If everybody good, put a middle finger up in the sky.” Continuing to play the music, he encouraged the crowd to make the “ground shake.” 

The victims ranged from ages 14 to 27, with one age unknown, and many were injured. The repercussions pertaining to the outcome of the concert are currently unknown as the situation is under investigation, but Scott put out a message via a video on his Instagram story.

“I’m honestly just devastated, and I could never imagine anything like this just happening,” Scott said. “I’m going to do everything I can to keep you guys updated and just keep you guys informed of what’s going on. Love you all.”

Upcoming Concerts in KC

Last week of the can drive

After completing a successful first week of the can drive, with first and second hour competitions as well as class-hosted events to raise money and collect cans for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, East is now entering the beginning of their second week of the can drive. 

This week, StuCo is focusing on club competitions: Harbinger vs. Hauberk, cheer vs. dance, football vs. soccer, band vs. orchestra and IB vs. AP.

Johnson County covid update