The Latest on Lockdowns Throughout Europe ~ Conde Nast

1 ~~~ The Latest on Lockdowns Throughout Europe ~ Conde Nast ~~~

After a tough spring in Europe, which saw borders closed, cities in lockdown, and tens of thousands of deaths from COVID-19, early signs of normality were appearing at the start of summer. On June 15, some countries in the Schengen zone—which comprises the majority of European Union member states—started lifting their internal travel bans. On July 1, most E.U. countries also opened their borders to 14 “safe” countries with low infection rates as well. (That list did not include the U.S.).

But now, at the end of October, things are quickly regressing. Several countries are seeing case numbers eclipse records from earlier this year. In Belgium, for example, case counts are nearly 8 times peak numbers recorded in spring. Germany recorded more than 14,000 new cases on Friday (almost triple record numbers from April). Spain and France have both passed the one-million-case mark, and, as of this week, entered second lockdowns. 

As of October 12, the European Union has adopted joint travel restrictions to better regulate travel across member states. The U.S. remains on the list of nationalities not allowed to enter the bloc. Likewise, E.U. citizens, which have been banned from entering the U.S. since March 11, are prohibited entry.

As the situation quickly evolves, we're tracking what has reopened to locals and travelers—and what has closed for a second time—throughout all of Europe. 

This story was last published on July 15, 2020. It has been updated with new information.

www.cntraveler.com/story/how-countries-in-europe-are-reopening ~ 30 October 2020 ~