Hope is coming. From June 3, 2020, Italy – one of the countries hardest hit by COVID-19 – is opening its borders, allowing European cross-border travel once again.
Although we might not be able to get over to Europe just yet, this is exactly what we need to hear to restore hope and faith that the world will get back to some kind of normality, very soon.
Italy has been one of the hardest-hit countries, with a heartbreakingly high number of COVID-19 related deaths and extremely strict lockdown laws, for over two months.
So, with the opening of bars, restaurants, and borders to come, the news of this step towards ‘ordinariness’ must be music to the ears of the people of this beautiful country.
What’s the plan?
According to Reuters, Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, outlined a further loosening of movement restrictions over the weekend.
On 3rd June, the government will re-enable free movement between the country’s separate regions, and its fourteen-day quarantine mandate will also be lifted.
The plans also include opening borders to travellers from the European Union, just in time for the busiest season of the European travel calendar. However, external European borders will remain closed until at least June 15.
Shops, bars, and restaurants are open from today, with people within Italy no longer having to justify travel within their own region. Social distancing rules will continue to apply and face masks are recommended out and about.
The restriction lift offers hope for the European tourism industry, ahead of the Northern Hemisphere Summer.
What does this mean for us?
Australian borders remain closed, so you’ll have to make do with ordering your favourite pizza and sipping that Aperol Spritz on your balcony for the moment.
However, this news is extremely welcoming, as it is, hopefully, the beginning of the world reopening; as long as people stick to what is expected of them at this time.
For now, stay safe, keep positive and Karryon dreaming.
Stay up to date with Australian travel restrictions on Smart Traveller.