From London to New York, the world begins again

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Fans at the Blossoms party on May 2 in Liverpool: First Covid engagement lives in Great Britain (AFP)

The committee suggests the green light for those who received the last dose

Tourism at full speed ahead. The European Union cannot bear another summer of crisis and is trying to find a safe solution to bring back citizens from outside the European Union, especially from the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, where vaccination rates are higher than the European Union. The commission has proposed admission to the European Union for reasons that are not fundamental, not only for all people From countries with good epidemiological situation, but also to all of these Who have received the latest recommended dose of the federation approved Covid vaccine. External borders have been banned for non-essential travel since March 2020.

Borders and health are national competencies, so these are non-binding recommendationsThe last word belongs to individual member states that can still impose testing or quarantines. Tomorrow the ambassadors of the European Union will discuss it. The attempt is to have a coordinated approach. The commission also proposes to relax the requirements for classifying countries as “ safe ” from an epidemiological point of view (the list so far includes Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand), and doubling the threshold for the number of positives per 100,000 population. This would allow the council to expand the list of countries that travel is permitted from. The proposal provides some flexibility and introduces the “emergency brake” in the event that the epidemiological situation in a country outside the European Union rapidly worsens or a different type of concern is discovered: the member state can suspend all travels received urgently and temporarily by citizens from outside the European Union residing in that country .

The intention to open up to vaccinated American citizens was already anticipated by the President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the end of April in an interview with The New York TimesBut without details. The commission now proposes that member states allow The recipient’s trip to the European Union, at least 14 days before arrival, The most recent recommended dose of one of the four vaccines authorized in the European Union: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and a single dose of Janssen (Johnson & Johsnon serum). The permit could be extended to vaccines that have completed the WHO’s emergency use process. As for children, who are currently excluded from vaccinations, they should be able to travel with their vaccinated parents if they pass the PCR test with a negative result, no later than 72 hours before reaching their destination. Meanwhile, member states and the European Union Parliament must quickly agree to the launch of a green digital certificate.

Great Britain, from June 21, free for all: recent restrictions removed (except for travel abroad)

June 21st will be the date for “all free people” in Great Britain: the last restrictions will be lifted and the social distancing rule of one meter will be abolished. However, in some cases, the obligation to wear a mask may still apply, which was never imposed in Great Britain outdoors, but only in closed rooms and on public transport. As early as May 17th, bars and restaurants will fully reopen, which for the time being can only cater to outdoor service (and with London’s weather being a huge challenge); On that day, cinemas and museums, which have been closed for about 5 months, will also be given the green light, and the maximum of 30 people at the funeral will be removed (which also imposed a reduced ceremony for Prince Philip’s funeral in Windsor). The Johnson government remains extremely cautious about overseas travel, which is banned until May 17: after that, the “traffic light” system will take effect. Very few countries will be on the “green list”, while nearly all of Europe will be on the “orange list,” which entails a 10-day quarantine requirement and double-molecular testing (at his own expense) upon return to Great Britain.

Germany, more freedom of movement (and meeting many) of those who made the vaccine

More freedom of movement for the restaurant and people with Covid-19 if the plan is approved in this regard by the government and the Bundestag later this week: there are no social restrictions, freedom of assembly without numerical restrictions. Pollinators arriving from non-high-risk foreign countries like Italy will not have to remain in quarantine. Between the lands, Schleswig-Holstein opened a pilot project in the regions of the North Sea (Sylt, Bossum, St. Peter-Ording) and the Baltic Sea (Lübeck) and opened accommodation facilities. Tourists must present a negative test on arrival and leave their details in restaurants for possible tracking. There are no changes for tourism in general and for restaurants. Everyone should keep a distance and wear masks in markets and on public transport. So for most Germans, the “emergency brake” of April 23 remains in effect: a family unit can meet someone else, the national curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am, and you can exercise alone until the 24th, after going out with the dog to go / return from Work or hospital.

Public officials, parties and theaters: on May 19 in New York (roughly) normality returns

80,000 government employees returned to the office yesterday. The metro will resume service 24 hours a day from May 17. Two days later, Wednesday 19 May, New York will “almost” return to normal life. Big Apple shut down or imposed strict restrictions on services, trade, and transportation a year ago on April 30, 2020. Now, Within two weeks, the ‘Capacity Restrictions’ will be removed.. Restaurants, bars and shops as well as museums, cinemas and Broadway theaters will be able to fully resume operation. Alcoholic beverages can be served on the premises even after midnight. More gradual recovery on baseball (up to 33% of available seats). The rules for “indoor gatherings” have also been relaxed: from 19 May, “indoor” events with up to 500 participants (today the maximum is 250) will be permitted, as long as they can prove that they have been vaccinated or have taken a test. Also from May 19, up to 50 people will be able to meet in private homes, as long as they are tested or vaccinated.