Covid restrictions abroad: updates & observations

[Butts]

I’ve recently come back from Venice in Italy, and they are still pretty pro mask. Nothing required to enter the country, but masks on public transport were being very strongly enforced. On the water taxis, staff would demand masks be on, including over the nose, and refused entry to people without masks. One staff member said “no mask, no entry, no exemption”. If you took your mask off on the outside deck area, staff would shout at you to put the mask back on. Some of the tourist attractions had signs saying masks strongly recommended. At St Marks cathedral, there were signs saying masks to be worn at all times. Most people adhered to this when going in, but removed their masks once past the entrance. Lots of redundant signs in shops and attractions saying masks to be worn, and lots of social distancing stickers. Felt like going back in time to January. It didn’t spoil my holiday but it was very irritating. My relief to be home was very short lived though, thanks to a 2.5 hour BA flight delay thanks to the Funeral, and the Elizabeth line being down!

Did you have to wear one on the Flights in and out of The Republic of Italy ?

Only ask as I'm off to Milan next week.

Adherence should be interesting with hordes of England Fans arriving for the football fixture between the two nations.

 

[Mag_seven]

Did you have to wear one on the Flights in and out of The Republic of Italy ?

Only ask as I'm off to Milan next week.

Adherence should be interesting with hordes of England Fans arriving for the football fixture between the two nations.

Only on public transport within Italy, not to and from by air is my understanding.

 

[Cdd89]

In the last couple of days, both Japan and Hong Kong have removed Covid restrictions on international travel:

• Japan is soon removing the ban on visa-free entry of foreigners (all other entry, testing and quarantine requirements were removed a few weeks ago)
• Hong Kong removed entry requirements a few months ago and is soon removing hotel quarantine, which is a huge change — although is keeping arrival tests and a 3 day “home” quarantine.

The former is well overdue given the lack of other Covid controls and the xenophobic policy instituted to date, while the latter is more surprising as it marks a major departure from China.

 

[JaJaWa]

Hong Kong removed entry requirements a few months ago and is soon removing hotel quarantine, which is a huge change — although is keeping arrival tests and a 3 day “home” quarantine.

No home quarantine for HK – but your “health code” won’t allow you access to restaurants for dine-in for the first 3 days

I’ve not scrolled too far up but Taiwan and South Korea are also fully reopening their borders without quarantine in the next few weeks

 

[Watershed]

In the last couple of days, both Japan and Hong Kong have removed Covid restrictions on international travel:

• Japan is soon removing the ban on visa-free entry of foreigners (all other entry, testing and quarantine requirements were removed a few weeks ago)
• Hong Kong removed entry requirements a few months ago and is soon removing hotel quarantine, which is a huge change — although is keeping arrival tests and a 3 day “home” quarantine.

The former is well overdue given the lack of other Covid controls and the xenophobic policy instituted to date, while the latter is more surprising as it marks a major departure from China.

Presumably masks are still mandatory everywhere in Japan/HK though?

 

[Cdd89]

Presumably masks are still mandatory everywhere in Japan/HK though?

From what I understand of Japan, they are more socially expected than mandatory. The government is actively trying to put out messaging that mask wearing is not productive outdoors, but the population continues to do so.

 

[rg177]

Yes, I was looking this up and there have actually never been any mandatory mask rules in Japan - but they're expected anyway.

Culturally though, people have always worn masks in Japan when unwell, so it isn't entirely unexpected.

I can't say I'd visit while this "expectation" remained though.

 

[kristiang85]

Did you have to wear one on the Flights in and out of The Republic of Italy ?

Only ask as I'm off to Milan next week.

Adherence should be interesting with hordes of England Fans arriving for the football fixture between the two nations.

I was in Milan a couple of weeks ago - no masks on the flights, and on public transport about 40% compliance during the day and near zero at night.

 

[zero]

Yes, I was looking this up and there have actually never been any mandatory mask rules in Japan - but they're expected anyway.

Culturally though, people have always worn masks in Japan when unwell, so it isn't entirely unexpected.

I can't say I'd visit while this "expectation" remained though.

Currently hotels in Japan can legally refuse service if you don't wear a mask (if they want to - and it will take some time before Japan gets used to foreign tourists again, not that the majority of the country would be bothered if no foreigner ever visited again).

Hong Kong is interesting, I suppose as the CCP congress approaches Pooh now feels secure enough in his position, as he has more or less approved Pikachu to do what he wants.

 

[Butts]

I was in Milan a couple of weeks ago - no masks on the flights, and on public transport about 40% compliance during the day and near zero at night.

Thanks for the information, flying into Linate and out of Malpensa.

 

[kristiang85]

Thanks for the information, flying into Linate and out of Malpensa

Take an FFP2 just in case though, but I barely used mine in the four days I was there.

 

[Mojo]

Los Angeles county withdrew its public transit mask mandate (which also included the airport at LAX) yesterday. The Bart metro/rail system in San Francisco will remove its mandate next Saturday (1st October).

Anywhere else left in the USA within mask mandates that affect the general public (ie. not in specialist settings like jails and healthcare)?

 

[rg177]

Lots of peeling/faded mask signage noticeable in France, much like the UK.

Eurostar lounge in Paris Nord still full of social distancing signage and screens on board telling everyone they "must" wear a mask and that UK quarantine rules were subject to change...

 

[LAX54]

Los Angeles county withdrew its public transit mask mandate (which also included the airport at LAX) yesterday. The Bart metro/rail system in San Francisco will remove its mandate next Saturday (1st October).

Anywhere else left in the USA within mask mandates that affect the general public (ie. not in specialist settings like jails and healthcare)?

Although on the Metro System on Friday 23rd the digital destination information blinds on trains / buses were still saying: FACE MASK REQ.
Elsewhere (up to the 24th anyway) All the Hollywood studio tours required a mask to be worn when visiting an indoor part of the tours.

 

[Simon11]

Great news, another country scraps their final covid barriers.

Canada ends vaccine entry rules, makes ArriveCan optional https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62987945

 

[Mojo]

Great news, another country scraps their final covid barriers.

Surely the USA can't be much further?

Glad to hear they're axing masks too!

 

[Scotrail12]

Not so much a country but what on earth is going on in Hollywood? Does California have such insane rules on masks or are TV productions the insane ones because audiences for some TV shows still appear to be masked and they're crapping themselves when someone tests positive.

The US version of Strictly has Arnold Schwarzenegger's son in the cast, his dance partner has tested positive. He gets to perform with someone else but all of this dancer's close contacts are having to wear masks on live TV. Are they nuts? Are you seriously telling someone to dance a strenuous routine wearing a mask? Not to mention that it would look silly and if Schwarzenegger's son ended up catching COVID anyway, the mask would be of no use? It's just bloody bonkers and so obviously performative. I can't even get angry about it any more, it's just laughable.

It says something when even the BBC is more measured.

 

[Razorblades]

Not so much a country but what on earth is going on in Hollywood? Does California have such insane rules on masks or are TV productions the insane ones because audiences for some TV shows still appear to be masked and they're crapping themselves when someone tests positive.

The US version of Strictly has Arnold Schwarzenegger's son in the cast, his dance partner has tested positive. He gets to perform with someone else but all of this dancer's close contacts are having to wear masks on live TV. Are they nuts? Are you seriously telling someone to dance a strenuous routine wearing a mask? Not to mention that it would look silly and if Schwarzenegger's son ended up catching COVID anyway, the mask would be of no use? It's just bloody bonkers and so obviously performative. I can't even get angry about it any more, it's just laughable.

It says something when even the BBC is more measured.

This is truly an insane charade. What more people should be doing is questioning 'Why,' and at whose behest this is all being played out, for it's nonsense, that's the sum total of it.

 

[Scotrail12]

This is truly an insane charade. What more people should be doing is questioning 'Why,' and at whose behest this is all being played out, for it's nonsense, that's the sum total of it.

It does make me wonder what the celebs in these productions think. Surely not everyone is willing to comply, maybe as many as possible should be vocal about it.

Can't remember many celebs being vocal about it in the UK either - the biggest name who had a job in one of the main channels and yet spoke up was probably Loose Women's Denise Welch or Richard Madeley.

 

[SouthEastBuses]

Italy will remove its mask mandate on public transport (at long last!) from 30 September:

Covid: Italy set to drop mask obligation on public transport

Italy's obligation to wear masks on board public transport expires on Friday 30 September and, barring a last-minute move, is not expected to be extended.

www.wantedinrome.com

Mask obligation ends on 30 September.​

Italy's obligation to wear masks on board public transport expires on Friday 30 September and - barring a last-minute move - is not expected to be extended.


It is considered unlikely that the outgoing government of Mario Draghi will extend the mask-wearing obligation during its final days in office, leaving covid-related decisions to the new administration after the general election on Sunday.

Italy's health undersecretary Andrea Costa said recently that he was in favour of dropping masks on public transport.


Over the course of a week in early September police in Italy handed out a total of €81,000 in fines to commuters caught without masks on public transport, as part of a nationwide blitz.

Until 30 September, commuters in Italy are required to wear FFP2 masks on buses, trains, subways, trams and ferries (but not planes).


Despite the regulations in place, it is increasingly common in Rome to see commuters - both Italian residents and tourists - without masks on the metro and buses.

This is perfect news to hear - I'm going to Italy this Christmas!

 

[Watershed]

Italy will remove its mask mandate on public transport (at long last!) from 30 September:

Covid: Italy set to drop mask obligation on public transport

Italy's obligation to wear masks on board public transport expires on Friday 30 September and, barring a last-minute move, is not expected to be extended.

www.wantedinrome.com

This is perfect news to hear - I'm going to Italy this Christmas!

It's not 100% confirmed yet - there hasn't yet been an announcement to that effect by the new government. In theory it's possible for there to be an 11th hour extension, as happened when the mandate was about to expire at the end of June.

That being said, the odds do look favourable. Now it's just a question of how many other countries will join Germany in going with pre-emptive Covid restrictions this winter...

 

[D6130]

The new Italian government will not take office until early November at the earliest, allowing for the time taken for political horse trading to form a coalition and discussions with the president over who and what he is able to accept constitutionally. In the meantime, the executive functions of the previous government will continue and it's very unlikely that the mask mandate will be extended any further.

EDIT (Weds. 28/09): Have now entered Italy on board Frecciarossa 9281, 07 26 Paris Lyon-Milano Centrale. Walking back through the train from the buffet car, I would say that there is less than 50% compliance with the mask mandate....perhaps not surprisingly, as it finishes the day after tomorrow. No attempts to enforce it, even though the train manager has walked through at least once since crossing the frontier in the Fréjus Tunnel....although the usual audio and visual announcements are still being made.

SECOND EDIT: Now on board Italo train 8143 from Milano Centrale to Firenze SMN. Shortly after departure we were told sharply - not asked politely - to put on our masks by one of the young lady trolley assistants. Two minutes later she handed each of us a drink and a packet of biscuits as part of the first class offer....which of course we had to take off our masks to eat and drink! Roll-on the day after tomorrow!

 

[Mojo]

The UAE has dropped its mask rules of today and accordingly the three main airlines (Emirates, fly Dubai and Ethiad) have largely dropped their mask rules however they have kept a policy whereby if your destination mandates masks then you will also have to wear one for the entirety of your flight.

They’re still however required in hospitals, mosques and on public transport (but not planes or at airports).

 

[Butts]

Italy will remove its mask mandate on public transport (at long last!) from 30 September:

Covid: Italy set to drop mask obligation on public transport

Italy's obligation to wear masks on board public transport expires on Friday 30 September and, barring a last-minute move, is not expected to be extended.

www.wantedinrome.com

This is perfect news to hear - I'm going to Italy this Christmas!

I've beaten them to it.

Been in Milan for a couple of days and not worn one once !!

Trams (30% compliance) Bus (0% open top tour type) Taxi (didn't wear) Train to Airport (80% + compliance highest anywhere)

When at Malpensa Airport notices advising people to wear masks but largely ignored other than by Asians!!

 

[LowLevel]

Went to Spain yesterday (visiting from France) and went on a private rack railway. Boarded the train with many mask wearing individuals and though we'd packed them knowing the rules, didn't bother and hoped for the best. Off went the train and off came most of the masks.

Unfortunately there was then a driver change and repeated announcements were made until everyone had complied, with a member of station staff banging on the window at anyone wearing them on their chin.

I still have a stash of better quality surgical ones I bought (wearing them 10 hours a day made making them comfortable important and these weren't bad) so wore one of those for the 40 minute trip.

France though outside of urban areas they're totally absent.

 

[Razorblades]

Unfortunately there was then a driver change and repeated announcements were made until everyone had complied, with a member of station staff banging on the window at anyone wearing them on their chin.

For his sake, I hope this individual (and his little helpers) seeks psychiatric help.

 

[Mainline421]

Was in Germany on the 13th and 14th, and while compliance is still high overall it was never 100% and I didn't have any problems without a mask. No one said anything the whole time except one member of staff on the last day, and even then they were polite and this was only briefly after thoroughly inspecting and stamping my Interrail (it wasn't mentioned in the other two checks). Saw a lot of Germans around on trains in other countries as well, none masked.

Pleased to say that during the rest of the month long trip there was barely a single mask or Covid sticker to be seen anywhere, except a tiny number in Istanbul and one individual on a Croatian train (who I think is the first person I've ever seen actually follow the directions for masks correctly to their credit!). It really does highlight how absurd the whole thing is seeing masks suddenly being "required" so arbitrarily, but I guess for those that don't live in border regions it's seemingly easy to ignore other countries entirely.

 

[D6130]

Confirmation from Italian media and train crew that today is the last day of the compulsory mask-wearing mandate on public transport. Freedom from tomorrow!

 

[Watershed]

Confirmation from Italian media and train crew that today is the last day of the compulsory mask-wearing mandate on public transport. Freedom from tomorrow!

Glad to hear it! One down, two to go (Germany and Spain).

 

[_toommm_]

Glad to hear it! One down, two to go (Germany and Spain).

Wow, is Spain still really enforcing this? When I went in June, they had (who I presume to be the Spanish equivalent to our) Travel Safe Officers, except they had truncheons and resembled the police a lot more. They were all really nice to be fair though, but if you just happened to see them, they looked pretty scary.