Update on Italy’s return to a cautious near-normality in the wake of a continued decline in reported Covid cases...
Now that seven of Italy’s regions have been declared White Zones (at lowest
risk) and many more – those currently in low-risk yellow zones - set to turn
white over the next few weeks, the hospitality industry is finally beginning to
feel that the beginning of the end has begun.
In Cortona, bars, shops and restaurants are open and there is a general
air of anticipation. We are beginning to see visitors wandering the streets (largely
from Northern Europe) and there is a general air of activity; everyone
preparing for what they now hope will be a busy summer and autumn.
Cortona's Duomo
Santa Margerita
View from the gardens below Santa Margerita
Apparently, more than one million Europeans have already obtained the
new EU Covid Health certificate, but the scheme which also includes the
Schengen countries, the UK and Israel, will not be fully operational until July
1st. Each member state will be responsible for designing and issuing
its own certificate and these will be recognised across Europe.
Italy’s so called ‘Green Pass’, not necessary for internal travel between
low-risk white zones, will become necessary only for international travel. It
will be available to anyone who has either been vaccinated, has tested negative
for coronavirus within the past 48 hours, or has recently contracted and
recovered from Covid-19. Plans are in motion for all testing to be provided free.
Transatlantic movement has also had a boost: Covid-free flights from the
US have been augmented – now arriving not only in Milan and Rome, but also
Venice and Naples. The scheme has been extended to also include flights from Canada,
Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
Travel may not prove simple this summer, and you may require no small
amount of patience to fill in all the necessary paperwork, but at least it is
now possible, albeit only for the above mentioned countries.
In the meantime, more photos of Cortona for those who are missing it!
Field of poppies
Roofs over the Valdichiana
Piazza Garibaldi and everyone's favourite view
Swallows circling the tower just before sunset
Swallows at dusk
Sunset with the last of the swallows heading home
Team, 09/06/2021 11:50:32
