Millions of people across Europe were today warned not to break social-distancing rules as they headed to beaches and parks on Ascension Day.
Today is a public holiday in many European countries including France, where authorities reminded the public “the virus is still circulating”. Several beaches in Brittany have again been closed days after hundreds across the country were reopened following a two-month lockdown, because too many visitors ignored social-distancing instructions at the weekend.
Most had banned sunbathing or picnics under rules designed to prevent a second wave of infections.
In the Netherlands, border town officials threatened to close roads and car parks amid fears of large numbers of German daytrippers coming to spend the holiday.
The top official in charge of easing Spain’s lockdown has said the country will only reopen to foreign tourists in July, once safety for locals and visitors can be guaranteed.
Wary of the competition from other Mediterranean countries already reopening borders, hoteliers and officials in tourist-magnet islands and coastal regions have been pressing authorities to relax curbs in place to fight the outbreak.
But environment and energy minister Teresa Ribera said an early massive opening would be “irresponsible”. “Our idea is to work on safe origins and destinations thinking on July rather on June,” she said.
Meanwhile, wearing face masks in public places today became mandatory for all people in Spain over six. The order only advises that children between two and five wear masks.
There is parliamentary backing for the country to extend lockdown for another two weeks. A semblence of normality was returning to Cyprus today, with outdoor areas for restaurants and bars reopening.
