As the Omicron wave of COVID-19 slowly recedes, several countries across the world are opening up to travel. And to boost tourism and urge people to step out, many of these nations are now relaxing travel rules, including introducing full or partial mask-free travel. Check them out below! By Anushka Goel
Countries allowing mask-free travel
The USA
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Several states across the USA have gone mask-free. According to CNN, California, Oregon and Washington state are changing the mask mandate to mask recommendations in schools, starting March 11, 11:59 pm. New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts have also released similar mandates, with minor variations from state to state. California, in addition, has also dropped its requirement that all unvaccinated people wear a face mask in most indoor settings, the media house’s report adds. Further, according to Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles County has also dropped its indoor mask mandate for those who are fully vaccinated. On the other hand., Illinois has lifted its masl mandate for restaurants, bars, gyms and stores, reports CNN.
The UAE
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In the UAE, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has updated some of its COVID-19 regulations, easing restrictions for both locals, government employees and visitors in Abu Dhabi. Now, wearing face masks outdoors is optional, while indoors, everyone still can’t go mask-free, reports Khaleej Times. Further, at the Expo 2020 Dubai, wearing a mask outside is not mandatory.
Denmark
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In February, Denmark became the first country in the European Union to allow mask-free travel, as well as to remove all COVID-19 restrictions. This means that the COVID-19 pass, wearing masks indoors, self-isolation in case you test positive for the virus is no longer required, among other restrictions. However, the government has assured that the rules will be reinstated as and when needed.
Italy
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Soon after Denmark, Italy also introduced a relaxation on wearing masks in public. Starting February 11, the country removed the mandate on masking up in outdoor spaces, seeing that the COVID-19 cases were on a decline. Masks are now only required in crowded spaces and in indoor venues, a report in Fortune states.
France
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Among the countries to allow mask-free travel is France. The country scrapped the mask mandate for indoor spaces such as bars, theatres and restaurants – those that are covered by the vaccine pass. However, both locals and tourists will continue to wear the face-covering in public transportation such as buses and cabs. And in the places not covered by the pass, people will still have to wear their masks indoors.
Spain
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Spain is another country in Europe to have joined the list of nations permitting mask-free travel in outdoor spaces. According to a report in Reuters, Spain removed the mandate on wearing masks outdoors in mid-February. The rule of wearing masks had been reinstated when the Omicron wave took over the world, spreading far and wide, and infecting millions.
England
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England, too, was among the first nations to have removed COVID-19 mandates, especially the mandatory masks. As per OPI India, those travelling via public transport such as subways and buses still need to wear a mask but in most places, including gatherings and places that required the COVID-19 pass, the mask mandate has been dropped.
Australia
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Among the countries that had the strictest travel restrictions, Australia recently reopened its international borders to tourists. And along with that, the country has also dropped some of its mandatory mask rules, reports ABC News. The northern territory’s indoor masks mandate has been lifted, though the face cover will be required in high-risk settings such as hospitals, prisons, airports, aged and disability care facilities etc.
Related: Planning An International Trip? These Countries Are Allowing Indians To Travel Without Quarantine
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