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The European Commission’s proposal, in the form of guidelines and recommendations for the gradual lifting of travel restrictions between Member States and the resumption of tourism, was presented today in Brussels.
The Commission proposes that the general restrictions on free movement be replaced by specific measures so that traveling abroad to depend on the evolution of the state of public health in the Member States.
The opening of the internal borders will be carried out gradually, in 2 phases and with the consent of the states with a similar epidemiological situation.
Hotels and flights are recommended as a precautionary measure, with passengers entitled to full monetary compensation, even if they have received or will receive a coupon, the acceptance of which remains voluntary.
As Vice President Westerger commented, “This will not be a normal summer,” but measures are needed to ensure that the tourist season is not entirely lost.
In general, the tourism and transport package includes:
– An overall strategy for recovery in 2020 and beyond
– A common approach to restore free movement and lift restrictions on the EU’s internal borders in a gradual and coordinated manner
– A framework to support the gradual restoration of transport and ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
– A proposal that aims to make travel coupons an attractive alternative to return money to consumers.
– Criteria for the safe and gradual restoration of tourist activities and for the development of health protocols for host institutions, such as hotels.
The critery
– Epidemiologically, with special emphasis on areas where the situation is improving, under the guidance of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and using the regional map developed by ECDC
– THE possibility of implementing restrictive measures throughout the trip, including border crossings, including safeguards and additional measures where physical distance may be difficult to ensure
– Economic and social factors., which prioritize cross-border traffic in key areas of activity but also for personal reasons
If the general lifting of restrictions is not justified by the state of the epidemic, the Commission will propose a gradual and coordinated approach starting with the lifting of restrictions between regions or Member States with fairly similar epidemiological situations.
As noted, the an approach should be flexible, including the possibility of reintroducing certain measures if the epidemiological situation so requires. “
Discrimination is prohibited.
“When a Member State decides to allow travel to its territory or to specific areas and territories within its territory, it must do so without discrimination, allowing travel from all areas, regions or countries of the EU with similar epidemiological conditions.
In the same vein, “all restrictions must be lifted without discrimination, for all EU citizens and for all residents of this Member State, regardless of their nationality and must apply to all parts of the Union in a similar epidemiological situation ” The proposal provides.
Vouchers
In accordance with EU rules, the Commission clarifies that travelers have the right to choose between coupons or refunds for canceled transport tickets (plane, train, bus / bus and boats) or package tours.
The Commission’s recommendation is to ensure that “coupons become a viable and more attractive alternative to compensation for trips canceled under the current pandemic, which has also cost travelers financially.”
“Voluntary coupons must be protected against the issuer’s insolvency, with a minimum validity period of 12 months and returned after a maximum of one year, if they are not redeemed.” They should also provide passengers with “adequate flexibility”, allow them to “travel on the same route under the same conditions or passengers make a reservation for a travel contract package with the same type of service or equivalent quality”, while must be transferred to another traveler.
Flights-Transportation
To minimize contact on departure, passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets online and register online.
The physical distance must be guaranteed during security checks and the departure and reception of luggage.
While fewer passengers will have to board planes, buses, trains or ships. When it is more difficult to ensure physical distance, additional protective measures should be taken, for example, the use of a face mask..
Transportation personnel must have adequate protective equipment.
Carriers can install protective barriers, e.g. between passengers and driver.
Doors must open automatically or remotely from the driver at each stop.
Disinfection gel must be available in vehicles and transportation centers.
Vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Food, beverages and other goods may no longer be available for sale on board.
Ventilation should be improved, for example through the use of appropriate air filters, and natural ventilation should be a priority whenever possible.
Carriers are encouraged to develop strategies in the event that a passenger becomes ill or displays symptoms of coronavirus during the journey.
As noted, the guidelines for health protocols are non-binding and aim to ensure consistency in the development and implementation of measures to prevent and control infections through a coordinated approach within regions and Member States.
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