Europe used to be the epicenter of the novel coronavirus but months after some of the biggest lockdowns in the history of the pandemic, Italy and other European nations are finally reopening.
Italy Reopens Borders without Mandatory Quarantine
Italy on Wednesday started reopening borders and allowing some international travel. Regional transport routes were also reopened and the government also lifted a mandatory two-week on travelers that was initially implemented.
The countries of origin that no longer need to undergo a 14-day quarantine when entering Italy are as follows: United Kingdom, Vatican City, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, Switzerland, Norway, Schegen members, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and the 26 members of the European Union.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the government eyes reopening the economy while ensuring that a second wave of COVID-19 infections will not take place again.
The reopening of borders for travel is part of the Italian government's efforts to gradually get the economy back on its feet after the country suffered one of the biggest outbreaks in Europe.
As of Wednesday, Italy logged a total of 233,515 confirmed coronavirus cases and 33,530 deaths.
Philippe Pledges Assistance for New Businesses
On Tuesday's parliament meeting, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that a document will soon be presented this month detailing how the government will assist "the businesses most recently created."
Philippe has yet to provide more details about the said assistance but he said the plan will be directed towards businesses that were opened "one month" or "unfortunately just one week" before the nationwide lockdown was implemented in France.
The new plan was announced as new businesses struggle to cope with the pandemic's blow on the economy and loss of customers. While French President Emmanuel Macron's government came up with a solidarity fund, most new businesses did not have access to the said fund.
France is slowly reopening its economy and lifting strict movement measures. It is expected that more reopening plans will be announced in the coming weeks.
As of Wednesday, France recorded a total of 151,325 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 28,940 deaths.
Germany Creates Plan for Lifting Travel Advisories
Germany is preparing a paper that should detail the plan for lifting the massive travel warning for 31 European states starting June 15. Proposals will be provided on how to protect tourists from turning into imported coronavirus cases.
The travel warnings expected to be lifted in mid-June include 26 European Union countries, the four non-Schengen area members, and the United Kingdom.
The initial plan is to implement individual travel advice for travelers coming from countries considered by the German health authority as a potential risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.
While travel is expected to climb this month once the travel warning is lifted, the government said it will continue to implement common anti-coronavirus measures to ensure that a resurgence in cases will not occur.
It is unclear how Germany will handle travels outside the European Union or whether non-risk countries outside the EU will also see the travel advisory lifted.
As of Wednesday, Germany logged a total of 184,091 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 8,674 deaths from the highly-infectious disease.
