The future that Future predicted is here in eight countries across the world: Forget it, mask off.
Eight countries are making the move back to pre-pandemic life, removing mask restrictions.
While not every country is in the same situation, and the evolving situation of variants such as the Delta variant making the Covid-19 situation constantly one that is in flux, some countries have decided to move past some of the restrictions of the last year and a half.
Although most countries are still abiding by the Covid-19 restrictions to ensure safety among community members, other countries are on the way to ‘old’ normal.
Of course, it remains to be seen how the removal of these mandates will play out. In some countries, restrictions have been lifted and then re-introduced soon after depending on the spread of variants and the rise in numbers.
The UAE in particular has been vigilant about staying on top of the latest safety measures as well as proffering one of the most advanced and successful vaccination drives in the world.
Last night, it was announced that around 91 percent of the eligible population has now been vaccinated.
For those vaccinated. there are now 20 countries that UAE residents can travel to this summer. Spain and Austria were added to the list this month. For the full list, click here.
Here are the countries that have chosen to remove their mask restrictions:
1. The United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccinated people are no longer obligated to wear a face mark or be six feet away from others, be it outdoors or indoors.
2. Denmark
People in Denmark can be exempted from wearing face masks everywhere, except public transports.
3. France
French residents and citizens do not have to wear masks outdoors. However, it is still expected to wear masks in places like shops, public transport, and crowded outdoor spaces.
4. Greece
Wearing face masks has been waived for outdoors but remained mandatory for indoor areas.
5. Iceland
All Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. “We are restoring the society we are used to living in and which we have longed for,” said Minister of Health Svandís Svavarsdóttir.
6. Spain
People are allowed to go mask-free outdoors as long as they’re 1.5 meters apart. It is mandatory to always carry a mask in case social distancing is not maintained in some settings.
7. Italy
After being the first European country to be hit hard by Covid-19, it officially waived the face mask restriction. “It’s an encouraging result, but caution and prudence are still needed, especially because of the new variants,” Italian Minister of Health Roberto Speranza said after signing the ordinance.
8. South Korea
Only those vaccinated with at least one shot are allowed to remove their masks outdoors beginning of July. However, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said that when more than 70 percent of residents receive their first vaccine dose, then quarantine measures would be updated.
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