Traveling in Europe almost like 2019, new rules: individual status will count
In Europe, people are looking forward to the near future with hope. According to Hans Kluge, director of the WHO, it is plausible to think that the variant [...]
Europe is looking forward to the near future with hope. According to Hans Kluge, director of the WHO, it is plausible to think that the Omicron variant could mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic in the old continent. A light at the end of the tunnel, then, that could lead to a clear Changing the measures in place for traveling in Europe. Specifically. every passenger should return to being responsible for themselves and not having to bear the burden of the entire country of origin. This is all thanks to the goodbye to the infection map and consequently the classifications of European nations according to their expected risk. Individual status will count.
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The goal, of course, is to slowly return to the old way of travel, allowing the industry's economy to regain 2019 standards. Such an approach would go a long way toward curbing the tangle of national regulations that makes life impossible, forcing extensive research before every move. It would be a step in the direction of a return to free movement within EU borders, as long as some basic, equal standards are met.
Travel to Europe, new rules
Although there is still no new official regulation, agreement has reportedly been found among the 27 European ambassadors, who have prepared a draft, anticipated by El Pais newspaper, which will be presented to the General Affairs Council on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Here are the two key elements to take into account:
- Travelers in possession of Green Pass (with full vaccination, cured of Covid, or negative swab) may not be forced into retesting or quarantine
- The epidemiological status of the country or area of origin will no longer weigh on the standards to be followed before and after arrival
- The cumulative case incidence map will continue to be updated weekly, but only for informational purposes
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Green Pass, what changes
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The recommendation regarding the Green Pass is to confirm the nine-month duration for full-cycle vaccinees. The 180 days guaranteed by the certificate of recovery from Covid-19 should also remain unchanged. Different is the discussion, however, regarding swabs:
- PCR molecular testing: duration of 72 is confirmed
- Antigenic (rapid) tests: duration will be halved from 48 to 24 hours
The change on timing is due to the fact that it now seems clear that rapid testing is less effective in detecting the Omicron variant. It should be noted, however, that the timelines that Europe is about to approve will be no more than a suggestion. In health care, in fact, it is not possible to intervene on national governments. Italy, which from February will provide for the expiration of the green certificate after six months, will be free to decide whether or not to follow the guidance, as will the rest of the 27 capitals.
Italy, new rules from February
The rules will change in Italy starting Feb. 1, 2022. The duration of the Green Pass will be 6 months, instead of the current 9. However, a possible extension is being considered for those who have received the third booster dose, since the first individuals, vaccinated again in October 2021, would see their green certificates expire in April.
Merchants' strikes are on the horizon, considering the list provided by the government of places where it will no longer be possible to enter without a certificate. Here is Where it will be possible to gain access without a Green Pass:
- Supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and other non-specialized establishments selling all sorts of foods
- Frozen food stores
- Pet stores and others that sell feed
- Sanitation stores
- Stores selling medical and orthopedic items
- Pharmacies, parapharmacies and places where over-the-counter drugs are sold
- Opticians
- Places of sale of motor fuels
- Places that sell household fuel and heating materials
- Outdoor exercises
- Service stations
- Hospital
- General medical outpatient clinic
- Dental office
- Veterinarian
- Barracks
- Commissariats
- Courts
