The summer holidays are just around the corner – and with it the question of which corona rules apply when entering various holiday destinations. A look at other European countries shows: Despite the often increasing number of cases, the corona measures have largely been lifted. However, there are still some rules that must be observed.
DENMARK was one of the first countries in Europe to free itself from all corona restrictions in February. Nothing has changed to this day: life in the capital Copenhagen, on the Danish North Sea coast, which is very popular with Germans, and elsewhere in the country feels completely free of restrictions, Corona signs are almost completely out the public image disappeared. Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke had recently assured, among other things, with a view to upcoming festivals that there would be no change in the summer. However, isolated dark clouds are already looming on the horizon: the number of new infections in the Scandinavian country has risen again for the first time in months, mainly due to the spread of the ommicron subvariant BA.5.
FRANCE also reports an increasing number of cases, but the reintroduction of protective measures has not yet been discussed. Fully vaccinated people can enter France with the appropriate proof, all others need a certificate of recovery or a negative test. In Germany, for example, the mandatory digital vaccination certificate for visiting events or restaurants has long been no longer necessary. The mask requirement has been abolished, also in public transport.
Also in GREAT BRITAIN holidaymakers can take the bus and train without a face mask again this summer. There is also no obligation to test and isolate sick people. You can now enter the country without corona obstacles – registration forms or vaccination certificate are no longer needed. The country is now much more in the dark about how the disease is faring: the numbers reported daily no longer reflect the actual infection process. A better picture is given by the weekly report of the National Bureau of Statistics, which regularly tests a random sample of the population. For example, last week (from 17 June) one in 50 people in England was infected with Corona, in Scotland even one in 35.
The number of infections in the SWITZERLAND have risen significantly since the end of May, most recently by nearly 50 percent in a weekly comparison. But the protective measures have all been lifted. There are music festivals with thousands of visitors across the country and there is no discussion of new restrictions at this time. The 14-day incidence on June 15 was over 366 per 100,000 population. However, authorities believe that the number of unreported cases is high because many people are no longer getting tested, even though they have symptoms. Of those who do, a quarter to a third of the tests are positive. The number of people infected with corona who had to go to hospital has increased by more than 50 percent in a weekly comparison.
Also in ITALY Almost all corona restrictions have now been lifted, the registration form is no longer necessary. Proofs of vaccination or recovery are no longer required at the border or when entering hotels, restaurants, bars, discos, museums or authorities. The EU certificate only needs to be shown in healthcare institutions, so mainly hospitals. Masks only need to be worn on public buses, subways and trains. However, the number of infections has increased slightly recently.
Until CROATIA Holidaymakers from EU countries can enter without restrictions, citizens of other countries need a 3G card. Wearing mouth and nose protection in public interiors and public transport is no longer mandatory, but only a recommendation. However, masks remain mandatory in health facilities, retirement homes and nursing homes.
SPAIN: Corona, was there something? The virus is currently hardly an issue in the popular holiday destination. There are no more corona requirements when entering and leaving EU countries and the Schengen area. Even infected people no longer have to be tested and do not have to report anything or even in self-isolation. The old protection rules only apply to people who were previously ill or older than 60 years. Therefore, there is only a seven-day incidence for those over 60. There are 300 of them. The only remnant of the pandemic is the obligation to wear masks in public interiors and on public transport.
In the neighboring country PORTUGAL the Corona situation, on the other hand, is a bit more tense. The seven-day incidence is currently around 1150, but shows a declining trend (near 1600 last week). The corona measures were not released that far-reaching. The 3G rule still applies when entering the country, so holidaymakers must prove they have been vaccinated, tested or recovered. Just like in Spain, there is also a mask requirement in public transport. There are no further restrictions.
GREECE The corona measures were largely abolished at the beginning of June. Masks are no longer mandatory – exceptions include local public transport, taxis, the interior of ferries and hospitals. Tourists no longer have to show a vaccination certificate upon entry. The abolition of the measures must be put to the test by 15 September at the latest.
The number of new corona infections has risen in TURKEY put on the back burner. Currently, about 7,500 cases are reported per week. However, a high number of unreported cases is assumed. All measures to enter Turkey were lifted in early June – no vaccination proof or a PCR test can be shown. There is no longer a mask requirement.
In the NETHERLANDS Corona has almost completely disappeared from public life. No more mouth caps, no proof of vaccination or test, you no longer have to register with museums and you no longer have to keep a mandatory distance. There are also no more access restrictions. But especially the new Omikron variants are causing a summer wave: the number of infections has risen sharply again recently. More than 26,000 cases in one week, 70 percent more than the week before. And since testing is no longer mandatory, authorities expect many more cases and a further increase. However, no protective measures are planned. The government does, however, call for compliance with the basic rules, namely: wash hands, keep your distance, and ventilate well. And those who are infected should stay at home.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
