Italy lifts travel ban on Europeans

Italy lifts its coronavirus travel ban for European travelers more than two months after the country went into full lockdown.

By Vatican News

Under the June 3 plan, Europeans can visit Italy without a two-week quarantine. Italian citizens will also be able to travel from region to region.

Italy has yet to allow international travelers permission to enter the country, but it is hoped the easing of restrictions will boost tourism during the summer months.

Meanwhile, Austria is lifting coronavirus-related border restrictions including quarantines for all neighbouring countries except Italy as of Thursday.

Austria borders seven countries including Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Speaking about the Italian situation, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said, "for Italy, unfortunately, the pandemic figures do not yet allow such a step.”

The announcement by Austria came after Germany said it would lift a travel ban for European Union member states from June 15 as long as there are no entry bans or large-scale lockdowns in those countries.

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy rose by 55 on Tuesday, against 60 the day before, the Civil Protection Agency said, while the daily tally of new cases rose to 318 from 178 on Monday.

The total death toll now stands at 33,530, the third-highest in the world after those of the United States and Britain.

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