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Europe’s Patchwork Reopening | Europe’s Patchwork Reopening |
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As the summer tourist season approaches and Western Europe’s Covid-19 crisis continues to subside, leaders across the continent are deciding whether and how to lift the border restrictions that they imposed amid a flurry of emergency measures in March. The European Commission has urged its members to coordinate their reopening, but a patchwork of strategies has emerged. Some countries — Italy and Germany among them — are reopening earlier and more widely. Others — like Switzerland, Denmark and the Baltic States — are proceeding more slowly, opting for “travel bubbles” or bespoke lists of countries whose citizens will be allowed entry. | As the summer tourist season approaches and Western Europe’s Covid-19 crisis continues to subside, leaders across the continent are deciding whether and how to lift the border restrictions that they imposed amid a flurry of emergency measures in March. The European Commission has urged its members to coordinate their reopening, but a patchwork of strategies has emerged. Some countries — Italy and Germany among them — are reopening earlier and more widely. Others — like Switzerland, Denmark and the Baltic States — are proceeding more slowly, opting for “travel bubbles” or bespoke lists of countries whose citizens will be allowed entry. |
Both approaches have drawn criticism. Bubbles or corridors risk creating confusion and could be seen as discriminatory, say some European observers. But opening up borders among countries where the epidemiological situations are vastly different risks triggering an increase in cases, a scenario that officials are determined to avoid. Indeed, all of the announced plans for reopening have come with an important caveat: If Covid-19 cases start to tick back up, then borders could again be forced to close. | Both approaches have drawn criticism. Bubbles or corridors risk creating confusion and could be seen as discriminatory, say some European observers. But opening up borders among countries where the epidemiological situations are vastly different risks triggering an increase in cases, a scenario that officials are determined to avoid. Indeed, all of the announced plans for reopening have come with an important caveat: If Covid-19 cases start to tick back up, then borders could again be forced to close. |
“We need to be sure that a summer tourist season won’t come at the high price of a second wave of infections,” Heiko Maas, Germany’s foreign minister, said in May. “So there will be no ‘normal’ summer holiday this year. Whether the Baltic or the Mediterranean — the social distancing and hygiene rules will apply everywhere,” he said. | “We need to be sure that a summer tourist season won’t come at the high price of a second wave of infections,” Heiko Maas, Germany’s foreign minister, said in May. “So there will be no ‘normal’ summer holiday this year. Whether the Baltic or the Mediterranean — the social distancing and hygiene rules will apply everywhere,” he said. |
For American tourists, Europe will remain off limits this summer, with a few exceptions. Portugal is currently allowing entry to United States citizens without a quarantine requirement. Britain, the Republic of Ireland and Belarus are also open to U.S. citizens, but require a two-week quarantine. Americans and other non-European Union nationals may be able to visit Iceland from June 15, but all visitors will be subject to a Covid-19 test upon arrival. Other European nations remain closed to visitors coming from across the Atlantic. | For American tourists, Europe will remain off limits this summer, with a few exceptions. Portugal is currently allowing entry to United States citizens without a quarantine requirement. Britain, the Republic of Ireland and Belarus are also open to U.S. citizens, but require a two-week quarantine. Americans and other non-European Union nationals may be able to visit Iceland from June 15, but all visitors will be subject to a Covid-19 test upon arrival. Other European nations remain closed to visitors coming from across the Atlantic. |
Italy — which has Europe’s second-highest Covid-19 death toll, after Britain — has jumped ahead of its neighbors in welcoming back tourists, lifting border restrictions on visitors arriving from European countries as of June 3. The next major date in the continent’s reopening calendar will be June 15, when Germany and Belgium will allow entry to all E.U. nationals, as well as Britons and citizens of nations like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland that are within Europe but outside the E.U. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe of France has indicated that France will do the same, allowing quarantine-free travel for European visitors as of June 15. (However, starting on June 8, France will ask British visitors to complete a voluntary 14-day self-quarantine.) | Italy — which has Europe’s second-highest Covid-19 death toll, after Britain — has jumped ahead of its neighbors in welcoming back tourists, lifting border restrictions on visitors arriving from European countries as of June 3. The next major date in the continent’s reopening calendar will be June 15, when Germany and Belgium will allow entry to all E.U. nationals, as well as Britons and citizens of nations like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland that are within Europe but outside the E.U. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe of France has indicated that France will do the same, allowing quarantine-free travel for European visitors as of June 15. (However, starting on June 8, France will ask British visitors to complete a voluntary 14-day self-quarantine.) |
The June 15 border openings will be like a “D-Day” for tourism in Europe, Italy’s foreign minister, Luigi Di Maio, told the Italian broadcaster RAI. He added that Germans account for a significant share of Italy’s visitors, especially for high-end travel. The tourism sector accounts for 13 percent of Italy’s gross domestic product. | The June 15 border openings will be like a “D-Day” for tourism in Europe, Italy’s foreign minister, Luigi Di Maio, told the Italian broadcaster RAI. He added that Germans account for a significant share of Italy’s visitors, especially for high-end travel. The tourism sector accounts for 13 percent of Italy’s gross domestic product. |
“We must salvage what we can salvage from the summer to help our hoteliers and entrepreneurs,” Mr. Di Maio said. | “We must salvage what we can salvage from the summer to help our hoteliers and entrepreneurs,” Mr. Di Maio said. |
While Italy, Germany and France are planning to open up widely, other European nations are proceeding more cautiously, drawing up selective lists of countries from which travel will be allowed, or establishing “travel bubbles” along the lines of the one being considered by Australia and New Zealand. | While Italy, Germany and France are planning to open up widely, other European nations are proceeding more cautiously, drawing up selective lists of countries from which travel will be allowed, or establishing “travel bubbles” along the lines of the one being considered by Australia and New Zealand. |
Spain, one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, is waiting until July to lift most of its travel restrictions. At that point, the country plans to open up to visitors arriving from a list of nations where the epidemic is under control, according to Manuel Muñiz, the Spanish government’s State Secretary for Global Spain. That list hasn’t been finalized, Mr. Muñiz said in an interview, but it will probably include most European nations, and could be expanded to a select group of countries from outside the region. (The country’s land borders with neighboring France and Portugal are due to reopen on June 22.) He added that Spain has asked the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for specific guidance on how the country should draw up its list. | Spain, one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, is waiting until July to lift most of its travel restrictions. At that point, the country plans to open up to visitors arriving from a list of nations where the epidemic is under control, according to Manuel Muñiz, the Spanish government’s State Secretary for Global Spain. That list hasn’t been finalized, Mr. Muñiz said in an interview, but it will probably include most European nations, and could be expanded to a select group of countries from outside the region. (The country’s land borders with neighboring France and Portugal are due to reopen on June 22.) He added that Spain has asked the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for specific guidance on how the country should draw up its list. |
“When you talk to epidemiologists, what they tell you is that if you have these two containers with equivalent amount of Covid risk, it’s almost irrelevant if there are transfers of movement of people from one place to the other,” said Mr. Muñiz. He added that tourist destinations need to be able to do four things in order to welcome visitors safely: Track the virus’s spread; test anyone with symptoms; trace the contacts of those who test positive; and treat those who fall ill. | “When you talk to epidemiologists, what they tell you is that if you have these two containers with equivalent amount of Covid risk, it’s almost irrelevant if there are transfers of movement of people from one place to the other,” said Mr. Muñiz. He added that tourist destinations need to be able to do four things in order to welcome visitors safely: Track the virus’s spread; test anyone with symptoms; trace the contacts of those who test positive; and treat those who fall ill. |
“When countries open needs to be fundamentally linked to how the disease is performing there, and whether those capabilities are in place,” Mr. Muñiz said. | “When countries open needs to be fundamentally linked to how the disease is performing there, and whether those capabilities are in place,” Mr. Muñiz said. |
Spain’s plan is just one example of a more tailored approach to reopening. On May 15, three Baltic States — Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania — began allowing free movement across their mutual borders, effectively establishing the first travel bubble in Europe. (Lithuania has since opened up to quarantine-free travel from 24 European nations, including France and Italy, but not Spain or Sweden.) | Spain’s plan is just one example of a more tailored approach to reopening. On May 15, three Baltic States — Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania — began allowing free movement across their mutual borders, effectively establishing the first travel bubble in Europe. (Lithuania has since opened up to quarantine-free travel from 24 European nations, including France and Italy, but not Spain or Sweden.) |
Hungary and Slovenia created their own bubble later in May, while Croatia has begun allowing entry to nationals of 10 European nations, including Germany and Austria, but not hard-hit France, Italy or Spain. On June 15, Switzerland plans to open its borders with Austria, Germany and France, but not Italy, its neighbor to the south. On the same date, Denmark will reopen to visitors from Germany, Norway and Iceland, but only for stays of six nights or more, none of which can be in Copenhagen. | Hungary and Slovenia created their own bubble later in May, while Croatia has begun allowing entry to nationals of 10 European nations, including Germany and Austria, but not hard-hit France, Italy or Spain. On June 15, Switzerland plans to open its borders with Austria, Germany and France, but not Italy, its neighbor to the south. On the same date, Denmark will reopen to visitors from Germany, Norway and Iceland, but only for stays of six nights or more, none of which can be in Copenhagen. |
Also on June 15, the Netherlands will begin allowing entry to nationals of 12 European nations, including Belgium, Germany and Italy, but not France, Spain or Britain. | Also on June 15, the Netherlands will begin allowing entry to nationals of 12 European nations, including Belgium, Germany and Italy, but not France, Spain or Britain. |
Greece, where tourism accounts for nearly a quarter of the gross national product, is casting a broader net, extending its bubble to passport holders from a bespoke list of 29 nations. Many of those are in Europe, but the list also includes China, Japan, Israel, New Zealand and a handful of other countries where authorities deemed the health situation under control; the United States is not on the list. (Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority has since clarified that some arriving passengers may still be subject to quarantine requirements or mandatory Covid-19 testing.) | Greece, where tourism accounts for nearly a quarter of the gross national product, is casting a broader net, extending its bubble to passport holders from a bespoke list of 29 nations. Many of those are in Europe, but the list also includes China, Japan, Israel, New Zealand and a handful of other countries where authorities deemed the health situation under control; the United States is not on the list. (Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority has since clarified that some arriving passengers may still be subject to quarantine requirements or mandatory Covid-19 testing.) |
Portugal, however, is currently allowing flights from the United States, as well as Canada, Brazil and many European countries. Meanwhile, Britain remains open to visitors from anywhere in the world, although anyone arriving after June 8 will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days or risk a £1,000 ($1,240) fine. The Republic of Ireland also remains open, but with a two-week quarantine requirement. | Portugal, however, is currently allowing flights from the United States, as well as Canada, Brazil and many European countries. Meanwhile, Britain remains open to visitors from anywhere in the world, although anyone arriving after June 8 will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days or risk a £1,000 ($1,240) fine. The Republic of Ireland also remains open, but with a two-week quarantine requirement. |
This patchwork of reopening strategies is chaotic and will ultimately undermine European tourism, said Eduardo Santander, the executive director of the European Travel Commission, an association of national tourism organizations in Europe. | This patchwork of reopening strategies is chaotic and will ultimately undermine European tourism, said Eduardo Santander, the executive director of the European Travel Commission, an association of national tourism organizations in Europe. |
“I think that creating corridors, bubbles, bilateral agreements between countries only creates more confusion and frustration for the end consumer,” Mr. Santander said. He added that his organization has been lobbying for a harmonized return of travel and tourism across Europe. | “I think that creating corridors, bubbles, bilateral agreements between countries only creates more confusion and frustration for the end consumer,” Mr. Santander said. He added that his organization has been lobbying for a harmonized return of travel and tourism across Europe. |
“The information that is out there is so fragmented; it’s also so confusing,” he said, adding that freedom of movement is a pillar of European identity. “It’s not about cutting a deal with your neighboring country,” he added. “We cannot create these kind of competitive advantages and disadvantages.” | “The information that is out there is so fragmented; it’s also so confusing,” he said, adding that freedom of movement is a pillar of European identity. “It’s not about cutting a deal with your neighboring country,” he added. “We cannot create these kind of competitive advantages and disadvantages.” |
Updated June 12, 2020 | |
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | |
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. | Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. |
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
The European Commission, which has published a package of guidelines and recommendations on the resumption of travel and tourism in Europe, is building a website that will serve as a “one-stop shop” for anyone looking for the latest information on border restrictions within the bloc. A spokeswoman for the commission said that the site should be up and running by mid-June. In the meantime, she recommended that potential travelers check the government website of their desired destination to find the latest rules. | The European Commission, which has published a package of guidelines and recommendations on the resumption of travel and tourism in Europe, is building a website that will serve as a “one-stop shop” for anyone looking for the latest information on border restrictions within the bloc. A spokeswoman for the commission said that the site should be up and running by mid-June. In the meantime, she recommended that potential travelers check the government website of their desired destination to find the latest rules. |
In many European countries — especially those along the Mediterranean coast — renewing the flow of tourists will be critical to keeping national economies afloat. But it’s not yet clear how many people will be willing to cross a border for their summer vacations. | In many European countries — especially those along the Mediterranean coast — renewing the flow of tourists will be critical to keeping national economies afloat. But it’s not yet clear how many people will be willing to cross a border for their summer vacations. |
“We don’t have tourism anymore. Corona has taken it all,” said Marjan Dasic, the manager of Tarsa, a popular restaurant in Rijeka, a Croatian seaside city that was selected as one of Europe’s cultural capitals for 2020. | “We don’t have tourism anymore. Corona has taken it all,” said Marjan Dasic, the manager of Tarsa, a popular restaurant in Rijeka, a Croatian seaside city that was selected as one of Europe’s cultural capitals for 2020. |
Normally, you would have to call at least a year in advance to reserve a table at the restaurant, which can seat up to 200 people and welcomes tourists from across Europe and beyond, Mr. Dasic said. The restaurant reopened in May after two months of closure, “but it’s like we didn’t open, because no one is coming,” Mr. Dasic said, adding that another month without customers will force the restaurant to close for good. | Normally, you would have to call at least a year in advance to reserve a table at the restaurant, which can seat up to 200 people and welcomes tourists from across Europe and beyond, Mr. Dasic said. The restaurant reopened in May after two months of closure, “but it’s like we didn’t open, because no one is coming,” Mr. Dasic said, adding that another month without customers will force the restaurant to close for good. |
In France, the mountain resort of Chamonix is preparing for a quieter summer than usual. Major events like mountain races, climbing competitions and music festivals have been canceled, but the area’s trails will be open for hiking and mountain biking, and cable cars will be operating with new hygiene measures in place. | In France, the mountain resort of Chamonix is preparing for a quieter summer than usual. Major events like mountain races, climbing competitions and music festivals have been canceled, but the area’s trails will be open for hiking and mountain biking, and cable cars will be operating with new hygiene measures in place. |
Claire Burnet, a spokeswoman for the Chamonix tourist office, predicted that tourists would come to the mountains to avoid the crowds one might find at the beach or in a city. | Claire Burnet, a spokeswoman for the Chamonix tourist office, predicted that tourists would come to the mountains to avoid the crowds one might find at the beach or in a city. |
“We are pretty optimistic, especially for the French market,” Burnet said. “For the European market, we’re waiting to see.” | “We are pretty optimistic, especially for the French market,” Burnet said. “For the European market, we’re waiting to see.” |
Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. | Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. |