Europe Faces Potential Shutdown Again Amid Signs of COVID-19 Resurgence... Tourism Industry in Tears

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) shows signs of resurgence in Europe, the European Union (EU) is reportedly considering reducing the list of countries allowed entry.

On the 27th (local time), Bloomberg News, citing EU sources, reported that the list of countries permitted entry will be reviewed this week and is expected to be partially reduced. The review process will be conducted by experts, and the list is expected to be finalized around the 29th. Bloomberg reported that Algeria and Morocco are likely to be excluded from this list.

Earlier, the EU had restricted entry of foreigners in March when COVID-19 was spreading, but on the 1st of this month, it allowed entry to 15 countries including South Korea, China, Japan, and Canada. Subsequently, on the 17th, the list was reviewed again, excluding Serbia and Montenegro due to renewed COVID-19 spread, and currently, only 13 countries are permitted entry into the EU.

This move by the EU comes in response to recent signs of COVID-19 resurgence. The Belgian government warned that it would impose a full lockdown if the spread of COVID-19 is confirmed. The Catalonia region of Spain also decided to restrict movement if COVID-19 is not controlled within 10 days. Health authorities in France and Germany have been emphasizing the need for vigilance to prevent resurgence.

European countries have been accelerating border openings to revive the tourism industry, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. However, with the increasing likelihood of lockdown measures being reimposed, anxiety in the tourism sector is growing. The STOXX Europe 600 Travel & Leisure Index, which reflects the stock performance of the tourism industry in the European region, has fallen nearly 40% since the beginning of this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.