[imagesource: AP Photo/Michel Euler]
As countries across the globe slowly get a handle on the coronavirus, many of them are starting to ease their lockdown restrictions to allow certain sectors of society to resume operations.
In Europe, a number of countries are starting to open their borders to neighbouring countries, while hotels and other tourist-centred industries like galleries and museums are opening across the continent.
The Guardian put together a list of European countries currently preparing to reopen.
Keep in mind that travel restrictions, regulations, and safety measures are constantly changing due to the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus.
As it stands, here’s a brief overview of the major countries in Europe easing their restrictions:
Austria
Cross-border travel will be permitted with neighbouring countries.
Restaurants and bars have reopened and hotels will be resuming business from May 29. No mass gatherings are allowed until June at the earliest and a health certificate is required upon entry.
Belgium
Belgium will open its borders to international tourists from June 15. Some flights to and from the UK are operating for essential travel.
Schools are slowly reopening under strict conditions. Zoos are also opening their doors provided people book online to avoid overcrowding.
Shops are open, museums opened from May 18 (yesterday), while restaurants and some tourists attractions will slowly resume operations.
France
Borders are due to reopen between France, Switzerland, and Germany. Masks are mandatory across the country. A health certificate is required for domestic travel more than 100km from home. Some shops are open, and restaurants and bars are set to open on June 2 at the earliest.
Germany
Borders are set to reopen between Germany, Switzerland, France, and Austria form June 15.
Shops are open, and restaurants are due to open on May 15, with hotels taking reservations from May 25. Large festivals might return after August.
Italy
Most bars, hairdressers, museums, and libraries have resumed business. Catholic churches have resumed mass and worshippers are required to wear facemasks.
Spain
Spain has slightly eased restrictions on some of its islands according to drops in infection rates. Cinemas, museums, and theatres are also opening at reduced capacity.
Barcelona, Madrid and parts of the North West
Small shops will be allowed to open on Monday. Funerals will be allowed, provided they are attended by groups of 10 or less.
Greece
The Acropolis has reopened and secondary school pupils are resuming their education.
In Cyprus, airports and seaports will begin “resuming operations in stages” between June 9 and July 13. Hotels, open-air cinemas, theatres, and shopping malls will also open.
From June 1, beaches and museums will open. Outdoor play areas and marinas will open subject to the 10-person rule.
Portugal
Restaurants, cafes, and pastry shops have been allowed to open at reduced capacity. Hotels and beaches are open. Non-essential travel is not allowed to Madeira and the Azore.
Poland
Beauty salons and hairdressers, alongside restaurants and cafes, are back to business.
Switzerland
Hotels, shops, markets, and restaurants are open. Face masks are mandatory in areas where it is impossible to maintain physical distancing.
Theatres, museums, cinemas, swimming pools, ski resorts, spas, and other leisure activities will resume from June 8 with large events expected to resume from the end of August.
Sweden
Borders are now open to UK nationals and citizens of EU countries. Hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, and some museums are open. No gatherings of more than 50 people are permitted. Certain parks, music venues, and galleries are open.
Norway
Some hotels and shops are open and some flights are operating with UK transit permitted. Organised events are allowed provided there are fewer than 50 people present.
Ireland
Some flights and ferry services are still operational between Ireland and the UK.
Restaurants and certain pubs will open from June 29. Hotels, museums, and galleries set to reopen from July 20.
For a more detailed breakdown of lockdown restrictions in Europe, head here.
[source:guardian]
