Scots holidaymakers are being warned of growing cases of Covid-19 in popular European destinations. While most EU nations have dropped most coronavirus restrictions, new figures have prompted some health officials to reintroduce basic health measures.
Yesterday, Cyprus confirmed that facemasks are to return just one month after scrapping them. Other European health authorities are calling for similar measures to be re-introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Travellers are also advised to get a booster shot before take off to guarantee maximum protection against the virus, reports SchengenVisaInfo. The news can be explained by a rise tourism, paired with limited Covid restrictions, as well as the spread of two variants of the Omicron strain.
Among the EU countries reporting a rise in cases are France, Spain, Greece and Germany. Both France and Spain are still enforcing Covid travel rules, but have lifted most domestic restrictions. Greece has reported a significant rise in cases in recent weeks, with a total 1220,185 infections reported in the last seven days, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In May, Greece lifted most Covid restrictions, except the wearing of facemasks in health facilities, public transport and public indoor spaces. The Greek Minister of Tourism has reported that popular tourist destinations, including Mykonos and Rhodes, have seen a 29 percent rise in tourist visitors, compared to 2019.
Spanish case numbers have spiked by over 60 percent in the last month. According to WHO, Spain has seen 155,964 cases in the last seven days. In response, Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias has advised everyone to wear masks in public indoor settings.
WHO figures show that France has reported 823,226 new Covid cases in the last seven days, almost 80 percent higher than two weeks ago. French authorities have advised that facemasks be worn in most public settings. While the French government has no plans to re-enforce nation wide restrictions, people are being urged to act responsibly.
According to WHO, Germany has reported 564,809 new infections in the last seven days, as well as rising Covid deaths, with 500 registered in one week. German authorities have not yet recommended facemasks, but it is predicted they will become mandatory once more this autumn and through Winter.
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