“What are the current Covid-19 updates in Europe?”

As expected, the cases of Covid19 infected have increased during the fall season in Europe.

Is this due to the change in temperature? Or to the flu season hitting back again? Is it because we did not take enough precautionary measures after the lockdown ended? Theories are many!

At this moment countries across #Europe are behaving differently regarding the measures to adapt to face this so called “second wave” of pandemic.

With this article I want to give an overview of the 5 most visited countries in Europe and how they are facing the pandemic in October 2020.

France is the most visited country in Europe with 86.9 million visitors per year. With these numbers, France actually ranks top visited country in the whole world: the reason for that is the variety of tourism it welcomes. It’s not only about the Eiffel Tower, the wine and the museums, but much more!

Let’s however, see what the country is doing in Corona matter. The total number of cases is 809 684 as of October 15th, 2020; thankfully, the number of infected in critical condition is down to 1,750.

But what if you are traveling to France? As a tourist you can you can enter metropolitan France without any COVID-19-related restrictions or paperwork if you are coming from the following:

States of the European Union, Andorra, Australia, Canada, Georgia, the Holy See, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Rwanda, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and Uruguay.

If you are arriving from another country or have visited another country in the month prior to your arrival, you will be subject to a seven-day isolation period if:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival; or
• You cannot present a negative PCR test, carried out less than 72 hours before departure.

In terms of measures, masks are not mandatory everywhere at all times but in Paris, for example, they have set it mandatory to wear one in public. Make sure you check your specific destination’s measures.

For more info, check https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/carte-et-donnees

Mostly located on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is the second most visited country in Europe.

Spain boasts of 47 UNESCO world heritage sites, a great number of beaches on the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and a lot of festivals that bring together people from all across the world.

In addition, the Spanish cousin with its variety adds value to this amazing country.

In terms of Covid19 On October 9, the Spanish government declared a State of Emergency in the region of Madrid and has imposed entry and exit restrictions to the municipality of central Madrid and surrounding areas. The State of Emergency is expected to be in place for 15 days.

Entering Spain at the moment doesn’t include any specific restriction. Land borders are open for road travel. However, if travelling with people who are not from the same household, all passengers must wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth. Penalties may be imposed if you do not comply.

Key common measures across Spain include:

• social gathering limitations may vary between a maximum of 5 to 10 people depending on where you are in Spain.
• social distancing of 1.5-metres.
• obligatory use of face masks in public spaces (see ‘Use of facemasks’).
• abiding by any safety measures put in place by establishments such as hotels, bars, shops and restaurants to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
• track and trace — all shops, businesses and transport companies are obliged to keep customers’ contact information (where provided) for up to 4 weeks for tracking and tracing purposes.
• capacity restrictions in place at beaches or other public areas such as the delineation of plots and the use of booking systems. You should refer to local authorities for information on the measures in place.
• if visitors test positive or develop symptoms during their stay in Spain, they may be moved to specific designated accommodation to prevent further spread.
• wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and use hand sanitizer gel where soap and water is not available.

Home to some of the most enchanted cites in the whole world, Italy is the third most visited country in Europe counting 58.3 million visitors per year. Rome itself is the third most visited city in Europe, after Paris and London. Florence, Venice, Milan and Naples are among the most visited cities in Italy, all particular in their diversity. I believe eating the traditional pizza and pasta in Italy are in the bucket list of every traveler.

Italy was the country to be hit hardest by the pandemic in Europe back In February. Right now the total number of cases is 381 602.

With the new decree, Italy has introduced a new #measure to make masks compulsory when outdoors. However, each one of the 20 regions is acting upon the virus with different measures, furlough hours and schools closing downs. It is suggested to check precisely the region of interest for your visit.

The country’s healthcare system has also been aggressive with its response, including testing passengers on arrival from high-risk countries — and even from its own island, Sardinia.

Fourth on the list, is the United Kingdom which welcomes 37.7 million visitors each year because of its history, museums and fascinating places and cities. Most visitor explore the UK during bank holidays and summer months.

The current suggestion to regulate the transmission of Covid19 in the UK are the following:

• you must not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
• follow distancing rules
• groups of no more than 6 people can gather together indoors or outdoors
• work from home when that is possible
• schools and universities remain open
• certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am

Wearing a mask is only mandatory in certain areas. You can find more information at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-levels-what-you-need-to-know

When traveling to England from most (but not all) European countries you do not have to self-isolate, but you should complete the passenger locator form which you can find on this page https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors together with the detailed list of countries from which you can easily travel from.

Last but not least of the most visited countries in Europe is Turkey. With its capital being the meeting point of the occidental and oriental cultures and home to so many historical events. 37.6 million visitors every year visit the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, the Cappadocia rock valleys, the pure white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and much more.

Starting from June 12, Turkey has finally reopened all borders to international tourists. As of the beginning of October, there are no requirements of quarantine for those traveling to Turkey. The only requirement at airports is to undergo a temperature check and health monitoring at the departure terminal. If you show symptoms of the disease, you will have to undergo the swab test. The health officials at the airport test the samples in laboratories inside the airport premises and deliver the results within five hours. If you as a foreigner test positive in Turkey, you will be escorted to the hospital with costs of treatment being charged on you.

As of October 17th, the number of Coronavirus cases is 343,955 with 301,098 being the people who recovered from it.

To encourage more tourism in the country, Turkey has adopted the Safe Tourism Certification Program ensuring that public facilities follow the standard health and hygiene requirements.

Masks are mandatory in all public areas.

I hope this gave you an overview of the current situation on the major #traveling destinations in Europe. If you wish to know more about a country you are traveling to, our Instagram DM is always open to any question! @safetypassport