Will you be able to go on vacation with peace of mind? If France holds the record for daily contaminations in the European Union according to the platform Our World in Data with more than 140,000 daily contaminations on average, other countries such as Italy or Greece are also experiencing a sharp increase in the number of cases. So what does the epidemic situation look like in Europe?
A new wave in Portugal
In May, Portugal was the first European country to be affected by a new wave caused by the arrival of the BA.5 variant. And if this epidemic wave had decreased for a time, the country is again experiencing a significant increase in the number of cases: on July 8, an average of 10,126 daily cases was recorded over the last seven days. Over the same period, 20 daily deaths were counted.
Despite this renewed epidemic, travelers entering Portugal have not no need to present proof of vaccination since 1er July. The mask nevertheless remains compulsory in public transport, taxis and health establishments (hospitals, pharmacies, retirement homes).
Italy, the most affected country after France
As of July 10, Italy had 95,804 new cases. The number of deaths is also on the rise, with 82 deaths on average per day.
Since June, the Ministry of Health has lifted certain health restrictions, in particular the wearing of masks indoors. Unlike France, where many doctors advocate the return of an obligation, especially in public transport, the FFP2 mask remains compulsory in transport, except on the plane.
Wearing a mask still compulsory in transport in Greece
After France and Italy, Greece – a favorite destination for many holidaymakers – is one of the countries most affected by the epidemic recoverywith more than 17,600 cases of daily contamination.
As in Italy, the obligation to wear a mask indoors was lifted on 1er June, except in public transport, taxis and medical establishments.
The situation in Germany is stabilizing
While Germany also faced a sharp rise, the situation now seems to be stabilizing. As of July 8, the country has recorded nearly 90,000 new daily cases over the past seven days.
Like most European countries, Germany no longer requires proof of vaccination or a test to enter the territory, but the FFP2 mask remains compulsory in public transport.
Spain and the United Kingdom, relatively safe from contamination
In Spain, no wave despite a slow rise in cases since the beginning of June. As of July 8, the country had more than 22,200 daily contaminations, one of the lowest figures in Europe. And unlike most European countries, theSpain has kept some of its health restrictions to enter the territory: travelers coming from outside the Schengen area still have the obligation to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or a certificate of recovery. Compulsory since May 2020, the mask is no longer required, except in public transport and in the hospital.
In the UK, the number of new cases is also low compared to other European countries, with just over 27,000 daily cases in the last 7 days to July 8. Since March 31, 2022, the United Kingdom has been placed on the green list by France: travelers no longer need to present a compelling reason to travel there. Wearing a mask is no longer compulsory since January 2022.
Read also:
- Covid: if I have to test myself abroad, will I be reimbursed?
- Covid-19 bill: Olivier Véran announces the possible return of the health pass
- Covid: what does the Scientific Council recommend to deal with the new waves?
