It is all opening up now: It looks like it is coming back to normal

[alexwalker]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I am chomping at the bit.
Wish I could do an Autumn walk... it may still happen.

 

[alexwalker]

I am chomping at the bit.
Wish I could do an Autumn walk... it may still happen.

I am convinced you will be able, amiga peregrina. Have faith. Things are moving fast now.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

Oh lucky you! The UK is entering its 3rd wave with new cases rising to 10,000/11,000 a day (mainly Delta variant) a rate that hasn't been seen here since February with a new "Super Spreader" event centred on . . . the G7 Conference!

It's all a bit like snakes and ladders isn't it?

 

[alexwalker]

Oh lucky you! The UK is entering its 3rd wave with new cases rising to 10,000/11,000 a day (mainly Delta variant) a rate that hasn't been seen here since February with a new "Super Spreader" event centred on . . . the G7 Conference!

It's all a bit like snakes and ladders isn't it?

Crazy. You just have to wait in line; It willl all get better. And yes; I am lucky: Seems I can go anywhere now (in the EU at least) without any problems. Life is returning.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Crazy. You just have to wait in line; It willl all get better. And yes; I am lucky: Seems I can go anywhere now (in the EU at least) without any problems. Life is returning.

I used to be able to go anywhere in the EU too, <big sigh>

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

I think that I will wait until after the fat lady sings.

 

[VNwalking]

It is a booking frenzy here.

It's interesting how we humans can be like impatient children in big bodies, unable to wait one more moment before we can do what we want.

Your caution is sensible, @alexwalker ...
The Delta variant is still out there, after rampaging through India. And if there is to be another wave, this travel frenzy offers pretty good conditions for it. Hopefully vaccinations will make the difference, but personally I'm not moving until the dust has well and truly settled.
And if that means I have to totter from village to village in my dotage, or not at all, so be it.
The camino's been there for ages and it won't go anywhere, and I've had a good run...

 

[gittiharre]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

I don't understand this completely. The Delta Variant is rapidly taking hold in Britain and due to pretty much unrestricted travel from Britain to Spain, it will no doubt start to spread to Spain. It is gaining ground in Portugal, who are now taking steps to restrict travellers from Britain. Too little, too late. Why does Spain allow travellers from Britain into their country with minimal controls. It seems absurd and self defeating.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I don't understand this completely. The Delta Variant is rapidly taking hold in Britain and due to pretty much unrestricted travel from Britain to Spain, it will no doubt start to spread to Spain. It is gaining ground in Portugal, who are now taking steps to restrict travellers from Britain. Too little, too late. Why does Spain allow travellers from Britain into their country with minimal controls. It seems absurd and self defeating.

Why does Spain allow travellers from Britain into their country with minimal controls.

Money.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

who are now taking steps to restrict travellers from Britain.

The Netherlands do , last week travellers send back from the airport.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Why does Spain allow travellers from Britain into their country with minimal controls.

Money.

It's all about the money, sadly enough

 

[gittiharre]

It's all about the money, sadly enough

That's what my husband said...

 

[Kathor1]

I don't understand this completely. The Delta Variant is rapidly taking hold in Britain and due to pretty much unrestricted travel from Britain to Spain, it will no doubt start to spread to Spain. It is gaining ground in Portugal, who are now taking steps to restrict travellers from Britain. Too little, too late. Why does Spain allow travellers from Britain into their country with minimal controls. It seems absurd and self defeating.

In EU+, where @alexwalker and I live, we are now moving towards a stage where the virus and the disease will be present but it will be no longer an overwhelming public health threat. Eradicating the virus here would have perhaps been possible in January/February 2020 - but not now.

Today, at the time of writing, 54% of the adult population in EU+ have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccination and 30% have received the full vaccination. Numerous EU countries are already above the 60% mark for at least one dose.

Spain and Portugal and maybe others along the Med have been allowing non-essential travel from the UK for some time, despite it being NOT recommended by the EU. Why? Tourism euros and the fear of losing clients to competing countries during this summer season. A news article I saw recently spoke of weighing collateral damage against the revival of the economy.

Edited to correct: % of the population -> % of the adult population

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Today, at the time of writing, 54% of the population in EU+ have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccination and 30% have received the full vaccination. Numerous EU countries are already above the 60% mark for at least one dose.

Would you please provide a reference for this statement.

 

[Kathor1]

Would you please provide a reference for this statement.

ECDC website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker | European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

vaccinetracker.ecdc.europa.eu

 

[DoughnutANZ]

ECDC website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker | European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

vaccinetracker.ecdc.europa.eu

This site appears to report on vaccines for adults 18+, it doesn't seem to report on total population as your statement claims.

If there is a section of this site that reports on the basis of total population then I would be happy to see the reference to that.

 

[Kathor1]

This site appears to report on vaccines for adults 18+, it doesn't seem to report on total population as your statement claims.

Correct. I didn't specify that the percentages refer to the adult (18+) population. I corrected my earlier post.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Correct. I didn't specify that the percentages refer to the adult (18+) population. I corrected my earlier post.

Thank you.

In this, as in most things, the governmental counts only count the countable people. However, sitting behind these are the undocumented in Europe, North America and even Aotearoa New Zealand. These are the undocumented immigrants and refugees who tend to live in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, move around a lot and work in low paid, high risk jobs.

As Singapore found out to their cost, concentrating on the citizens and documented residents can cause major issues.

This is not meant as a criticism of the EU+ or any other particular country but rather it is one of the factors behind my and other peoples caution over the opening up of health focussed restrictions at this time.

 

[mspath]

It's interesting how we humans can be like impatient children in big bodies, unable to wait one more moment before we can do what we want.

Your caution is sensible, @alexwalker ...
The Delta variant is still out there, after rampaging through India. And if there is to be another wave, this travel frenzy offers pretty good conditions for it. Hopefully vaccinations will make the difference, but personally I'm not moving until the dust has well and truly settled.
And if that means I have to totter from village to village in my dotage, or not at all, so be it.
The camino's been there for ages and it won't go anywhere, and I've had a good run...

VN,
Although no one knows how/when the dust will settle I certainly agree with your thought that "the camino's been there for ages and it won't go anywhere, and I've had a good run"
Indeed. How lucky some of us were to have had our one or many "runs" .

 

[SabsP]

ECDC website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker | European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

vaccinetracker.ecdc.europa.eu

And still this website does not seem to be able to get Belgium correct. Click on the country and flag of the Netherlands appears.

 

[Turigrino]

And still this website does not seem to be able to get Belgium correct. Click on the country and flag of the Netherlands appears.

Looks like the flag of Belgium to me
Try deleting history and temporary files from your browser...

 

[Jeff Crawley]

The Netherlands do , last week travellers send back from the airport.

Quite right too!

 

[SabsP]

View attachment 103010
Looks like the flag of Belgium to me
Try deleting history and temporary files from your browser...

Argh...typically me to oversee something like this!

Anyway, for the first time since long Belgium seems to be doing it right!

 

[Deleted member 67338]

I don't understand this completely. The Delta Variant is rapidly taking hold in Britain and due to pretty much unrestricted travel from Britain to Spain, it will no doubt start to spread to Spain. It is gaining ground in Portugal, who are now taking steps to restrict travellers from Britain. Too little, too late. Why does Spain allow travellers from Britain into their country with minimal controls. It seems absurd and self defeating.

I couldn’t have said it better.

 

[Albertagirl]

I find the question of who gets counted in the covid statistics quite interesting. In Canada, now, we give four numbers, each indicating percentages of a specific population 1. Who had one shot (some protection), 2. Who is fully vaccinated (gives up to 95% protection, never total). Who qualifies to be vaccinated, applied to both groups, so: 3. Who of the population of persons above 12 years of age is partially, or 4. fully vaccinated. The previous measure of adult (over 18) has not been used since research established that vaccinating younger people, 12 and up, is safe. To demonstrate, these are the latest values in Alberta, as of Friday, June 19: 1. 70.6% of all persons aged 12 and up have received at least one vaccination (60.1% of the total population, which includes children under 12) 2. 28.6% of the 12 and up population have been fully vaccinated (24.3% of the total population). We now have enough available doses, either in hand or guarnteed for delivery, to finish the job in Canada, among those who are willing to be vaccinated. This latter number may not be known for some time. I use Alberta statistics because I am an Alberta resident, and because they are revised daily (this gets a couple of days behind on weekends), whereas those for Canada are updated about every ten days. Currently, we Canadians, including myself, are chomping at the bit to travel again and to have open borders. But the delta variant has changed everything. We can only rely on the fully vaccinated statistics for protection at present, and are working very hard to get everyone done.

 

[gittiharre]

I find the question of who gets counted in the covid statistics quite interesting. In Canada, now, we give four numbers, each indicating percentages of a specific population 1. Who had one shot (some protection), 2. Who is fully vaccinated (gives up to 95% protection, never total). Who qualifies to be vaccinated, applied to both groups, so: 3. Who of the population of persons above 12 years of age is partially, or 4. fully vaccinated. The previous measure of adult (over 18) has not been used since research established that vaccinating younger people, 12 and up, is safe. To demonstrate, these are the latest values in Alberta, as of Friday, June 19: 1. 70.6% of all persons aged 12 and up have received at least one vaccination (60.1% of the total population, which includes children under 12) 2. 28.6% of the 12 and up population have been fully vaccinated (24.3% of the total population). We now have enough available doses, either in hand or guarnteed for delivery, to finish the job in Canada, among those who are willing to be vaccinated. This latter number may not be known for some time. I use Alberta statistics because I am an Alberta resident, and because they are revised daily (this gets a couple of days behind on weekends), whereas those for Canada are updated about every ten days. Currently, we Canadians, including myself, are chomping at the bit to travel again and to have open borders. But the delta variant has changed everything. We can only rely on the fully vaccinated statistics for protection at present, and are working very hard to get everyone done.

Interesting analysis.

 

[Colette Z]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

We’re coming…..some of us a bit later than others. Buen Camino!

 

[Simon B]

Thi

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

Think things are moving to quickly. The spread of the Delta variant is worrying. Think we are in danger of more restrictions later in the year.

 

[alexwalker]

Thi

Think things are moving to quickly. The spread of the Delta variant is worrying. Think we are in danger of more restrictions later in the year.

For those fully vaccinated, Delta should be no problem, according to the experts (among them, The Norwegian Health Institute). And vaccination is going fast in the EU. We are closing in on herd immunity.

But by all means, we don't know what may be coming. But, it is also time to start taking back our normal lives, or as normal as can be.

 

[Frank Wortley]

I think that I will wait until after the fat lady sings.

Ditto from Australia

 

[Jean Ti]

I think that the NZ singing fat lady concept is interesting and base on the NZ doughnut I will wait till the NZ doughnut sing with the fat lady to do some caminoing! Hope it is clear!

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I think that the NZ singing fat lady concept is interesting and base on the NZ doughnut I will wait till the NZ doughnut sing with the fat lady to do some caminoing! Hope it is clear!

I would love to be able to sing and I am in awe of those who can. My maternal grandmother was an opera singer and I see her influence on others in our wider family, including my son but, unfortunately, this talent seems to have skipped me.

 

[Former member 91017]

It's all about the money, sadly enough

Yes, you are right. Sadly it's an argument I see marshalled in reference to any tourist area: they need my dollars and so I'm going.
But a more ethical way of delivering dollars to a beloved region in need, it seems to me, is to purchase goods from that region.
I *do* have a ticket to Spain for Jan 2022. It was not expensive because my EU pp means I could buy a 1-way and figure out return later. I can afford to lose the ticket if the safety of my travelling will imperil self or others. If the vaccines have proven to be effective against variants (we'll know by then because incubation periods are quite short), then I will go. If they are not effective I will not go, and will instead continue purchasing goods from Spain and Portugal (often from Ivar's shop), regularly from the specialty food purveyors where I live (wine, pequillo peppers, asparagus, cheeses, Iberico ham and Serrano too, but also, via post: espadrilles from Barcelona and table linens made in Spain). I have also donated to the CCoP albergue fund and sent money to some of my favourite albergue owners.
I'm *NOT* a saint... just saying that there are ways other than self-entitled travel to solve the "they need money" issue.
"I want to go and they need my money" is really just a discounting of other things people need, first among which is security of person.

 

[libranlady1]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

I am so happy to hear your enthusiasm and the news re " getting back to normal" in the EU countries. If only that were the case here in Australia!
We are only at 3% of our population immunised and our immunisation program in dissaray.
Continual severe lockdowns here in Victoria for cases less than double digits. Internal borders closed, international travel banned, businesses and individuals
struggling and no end in sight.
My dreams of a retirement happily walking Camino's is fast disappearing. Thank God, for this forum and Facebook groups where I can walk vicariously through others. Meanwhile, I try to keep fit so I can walk when (????) I can. Buen Camino and enjoy your walking.

 

[lt56ny]

Would you please provide a reference for this statement.

I think this one from the New York Times is by country but there is a wealth of information here also.

Tracking Coronavirus Vaccinations Around the World (Published 2023)

More than 5.55 billion people worldwide have received a Covid-19 vaccine, equal to about 72.3 percent of the world population.

www.nytimes.com

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

It's all about the money, sadly enough

Spain, Portugal, Greece, and some of the smaller southern European countries are SO dependent on tourism as a big part of their national revenue--not that much manufacturing, resource extraction, farming, or other revenue sources. "Open" vs. "shut."

This will likely carry on till the restrictions finally are lifted for good. Real tension between the optimists and the pessimists/realists.

 

[gittiharre]

I think that the NZ singing fat lady concept is interesting and base on the NZ doughnut I will wait till the NZ doughnut sing with the fat lady to do some caminoing! Hope it is clear!

Beware the fat lady! It is me haha!

 

[Former member 49149]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

Your post title sounds nice. You are fortunate indeed. You are not to be envied, although some members might in fact envy you. I am going to focus on two points. Money, and normal. I have a certain amount of intelligence for some things, but for clear expounding on facts and trends and analyses, look elsewhere. The love of money is an old trait and is indeed a strong driver in the process to try to return to normal. Normal is so relative! I would be foolish to exhort anyone to be patient, to make do and mend. However, it is what I will do, hoping that a degree of normality will allow me to use the money Iberia insisted on converting to a voucher last year, and is due to expire on 31/12/2021!
I thank you for your frequent positive and hopeful posts, and wish you well in your forthcoming plans.
buen camino.

 

[Kathor1]

The delta variant is predicted to become the dominant virus in the EU, predictions being what they are: In Spain by the middle of July, in Germany by autumn at the latest for example, say current news. They also say: Según consorcio internacional de la vigilancia genómica, España y Portugal son los dos países de la Unión Europea donde más se ha extendido la variante Delta.

What this means in concrete terms, is anyone's guess. I'm already mentally prepared for a third (booster) jab in October or November.

It is recommended that people who are not vaccinated and who have been in the presence of numerous others, like say on a train trip, do regular antigen self-tests every few days. In their own interest and in the general interest of breaking transmission chains.

 

[Anna Cameron]

I am so happy to hear your enthusiasm and the news re " getting back to normal" in the EU countries. If only that were the case here in Australia!
We are only at 3% of our population immunised and our immunisation program in dissaray.
Continual severe lockdowns here in Victoria for cases less than double digits. Internal borders closed, international travel banned, businesses and individuals
struggling and no end in sight.
My dreams of a retirement happily walking Camino's is fast disappearing. Thank God, for this forum and Facebook groups where I can walk vicariously through others. Meanwhile, I try to keep fit so I can walk when (????) I can. Buen Camino and enjoy your walking.

Ditto here in South Australia - I am a health worker based in regional health sites including co-located aged care facilities, yet staff vaccinations only rolled out from 21 March (solely AZ available), followed by the confusion and debacle around the potential risks to people under 50 years and AZ. I've patiently waited the 12 weeks for my 2nd jab and full vaccination status, but I despair for my adult children and the general population as this process has been so slow and inefficient. I am still hoping to be allowed to travel outside Australia next year, but for now, it is still uncertain. Be careful all those who ARE traveling again

 

[Kathor1]

In recent days, I've become more wary of travelling within Europe again and of mixing with international crowds. There is too much discrepancy between EU countries for my taste: Some EU countries have now started to allow travellers to enter on non-essential trips, unvaccinated and even without the requirement of a PCR or antigen test and coming from non-EU+ countries that until very recently had not been regarded as "safe" countries and where the virus is clearly still circulating, including the Delta variant.

 

[gittiharre]

In recent days, I've become more wary of travelling within Europe again and of mixing with international crowds. There is too much discrepancy between EU countries for my taste: Some EU countries have now started to allow travellers to enter on non-essential trips, unvaccinated and even without the requirement of a PCR or antigen test and coming from non-EU+ countries that until very recently had not been regarded as "safe" countries and where the virus is clearly still circulating, including the Delta variant.

My concern too.

 

[Anamya]

I'm in fortress Australia and the title of this post made me feel like crying. We are likely to complete full 2 years without being able to leave the country, even if we have family overseas.

I'm glad to be safe and healthy, though. Strange and long Camino this one we are walking now...

 

[Sean Lad]

I am living in Europe and up to date on E U travel
spain Greece Portugal jumped too soo
green e u travel certifies not in until July 1s
in Ireland we start on July 19th until then essentiall travel only
the portal for applications still in planning stage
Now we we have a new strain Delta Plus and we all need a vaccine booster

 

[gittiharre]

I'm in fortress Australia and the title of this post made me feel like crying. We are likely to complete full 2 years without being able to leave the country, even if we have family overseas.

I'm glad to be safe and healthy, though. Strange and long Camino this one we are walking now...

I feel for you guys. You are not even safe in spite of the restrictions. Delta is amongst you and as a result of careless bubble opening, it has crept into NZ.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I feel for you guys. You are not even safe in spite of the restrictions. Delta is amongst you and as a result of careless bubble opening, it has crept into NZ.

Excuse me, there are no confirmed community cases in Aotearoa New Zealand

 

[gittiharre]

Excuse me, there are no confirmed community cases in Aotearoa New Zealand

Someone who visited here from Australia and tested positive to Delta variant on return had potentially 2500 contacts. Wellington in level 2 restrictions. It will be a miracle, if we do not have positive cases as a result. Wait and see.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Someone who visited here from Australia and tested positive to Delta variant on return had potentially 2500 contacts. Wellington in level 2 restrictions. It will be a miracle, if we do not have positive cases as a result. Wait and see.

Here are that persons movements https://i.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post...w-a-sydney-tourists-capital-weekend-went-awry

Lets not count our chickens before they come home to roost. After all, none of his closest contacts have come up positive.

He was partially vaccinated (first dose) and that reduces the likelihood of shedding viable viri.

 

[alexwalker]

Here are that persons movements https://i.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post...w-a-sydney-tourists-capital-weekend-went-awry

Lets not count our chickens before they come home to roost. After all, none of his closest contacts have come up positive.

He was partially vaccinated (first dose) and that reduces the likelihood of shedding viable viri.

Yes, but there is still some risk. I feel for you down under.

As being the one who started this thread, I should point out, that the loosening up in Europe, is very much about the fully vaccinated. Others may travel with a negative test, but must still enter quarantine here or there. It all depends, and is still fluid. Since I am fully vaccinated, I can travel freely. I have been given much more freedom now, and that was the reason for my joyful title.

Even as fully vaccinated, there is still a (very small) risk of contracting a mild sickness, also of the Delta variant. Edit: But it will not be deadly, more like a mild flu, according to health authorities here. And most likely we can spread it. So wearing masks in certain situations is still a good thing.

But looking forward to 3 weeks on a Greek island, 3 weeks from now. And then a 6+ weeks Camino.

 

[Kanga]

I feel for all whose plans are on hold because of Covid 19 and the difficulties in different countries.

That said, some of the posts are in danger of drifting into internal politics, which is not allowed on the forum.

The best thing is to keep our posts relevant to the topic - the Camino (all routes thereof) opening up.

And also a reminder that we can't peer review medical advice on the forum and we ask members not to give it, unless you are linking to an official site, like WHO or the CDC or similar. Try to keep medical information to our own experiences on the Camino (experiences with blisters being the prime example).

 

[Cicada]

It's interesting how we humans can be like impatient children in big bodies, unable to wait one more moment before we can do what we want.

Your caution is sensible, @alexwalker ...
The Delta variant is still out there, after rampaging through India. And if there is to be another wave, this travel frenzy offers pretty good conditions for it. Hopefully vaccinations will make the difference, but personally I'm not moving until the dust has well and truly settled.
And if that means I have to totter from village to villagwalkinge in my dotage, or not at all, so be it.
The camino's been there for ages and it won't go anywhere, and I've had a good run...

I'm with you VN well said!

 

[VNwalking]

Thank you for the kind words, @Cicada .
(And I have to complement you on your very cool forum name. Cicadas are one of the wonders of nature.)

 

[RJM]

Certainly far from popping the champagne and celebrating. It is, IMO, a bit premature to consider the Camino back to "normal". Personally I am looking to next summer as a minimum. I know there are so many that want to walk it right now, and of course those that made a living on the Camino(s) really want that to happen, but we are still at uncertain times worldwide.
I have been vaccinated, I take precautions still and do everything to maintain my health and immune system. I can wait another year. Besides, I have had a good run, Camino wise and everything else. Blessed 100%.

 

[Mycroft]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

Things seem to be coming together--but I shy away from saying 'back to normal' since nothing will be like it was pre-COVID.

 

[RJM]

Things seem to be coming together--but I shy away from saying 'back to normal' since nothing will be like it was pre-COVID.

Agreed. Nothing will ever be the same, including walking pilgrimages.

 

[Former member 91017]

Agreed. Nothing will ever be the same, including walking pilgrimages.

In this may we all be thankful for the opportunity to dump what of “normal” was not working so well. At least this is part of my hope For the future…. That it will not return to the status quo…. That “playing it as it lies” instead of trying to micromanage the camino experience will be renewed as the ethos…

I am a bit of a control freak, and on each of my caminos I have aimed to go day-by-day with what came… to handle the weather without complaint, the sometimes very colourful characters in the albergues (people who might not be very welcome anywhere else)…. And I have had to resist the usual urge to know all in advance…

With fewer people out there, maybe costs will go up… maybe I won’t be able to afford 3-6 weeks on the road every 3 years…. But maybe the “bed race” will drop, maybe people will slow down and savour more what they are spending the money on… maybe when we can take our collective breaths of relief we will look around more frequently to make sure that others around us also have enough air…

I hope…

 

[Former member 95219]

In this may we all be thankful for the opportunity to dump what of “normal” was not working so well. At least this is part of my hope For the future…. That it will not return to the status quo…. That “playing it as it lies” instead of trying to micromanage the camino experience will be renewed as the ethos…

I am a bit of a control freak, and on each of my caminos I have aimed to go day-by-day with what came… to handle the weather without complaint, the sometimes very colourful characters in the albergues (people who might not be very welcome anywhere else)…. And I have had to resist the usual urge to know all in advance…

With fewer people out there, maybe costs will go up… maybe I won’t be able to afford 3-6 weeks on the road every 3 years…. But maybe the “bed race” will drop, maybe people will slow down and savour more what they are spending the money on… maybe when we can take our collective breaths of relief we will look around more frequently to make sure that others around us also have enough air…

I hope…

Currently in Seville for Euro 2020 after a few days in Lisbon and things are starting to feel a whole lot more postitive. Bars open till midnight here last night and packed and apart from the masks it felt like the real world again! Never knew normality could feel so good!

 

[Albertagirl]

I agree that things will not be back to the previous "normal" this fall, when I am walking the Levante in Spain. But, after the 2021-2022 Holy Years, I suggest that things will probably return to some semblance of normal. Perhaps there will be a few changes resulting from the greater integration of online functions and services into our lives on camino. But this process was already underway before the pandemic. As fear of the virus fades away and people start to get their covid shot in the fall with the flu shot, economic forces will bring the pilgrim caminos into a new, but recognizable normal. Some camino businesses and albergues may disappear, but others will spring up over time, as market forces demand. Some will come as tourists, some as pilgrims, many as a recognizable mixture of both. No doubt there will be changes and surprises. But this is not the first pandemic that pilgrim routes have seen. I expect that recovery will be quicker this time, as medicine and public health resources respond with increased knowledge. I shall keep the eyes of my heart open to the new life growing along the caminos as I walk them.

 

[RJM]

In this may we all be thankful for the opportunity to dump what of “normal” was not working so well. At least this is part of my hope For the future…. That it will not return to the status quo…. That “playing it as it lies” instead of trying to micromanage the camino experience will be renewed as the ethos…

I am a bit of a control freak, and on each of my caminos I have aimed to go day-by-day with what came… to handle the weather without complaint, the sometimes very colourful characters in the albergues (people who might not be very welcome anywhere else)…. And I have had to resist the usual urge to know all in advance…

With fewer people out there, maybe costs will go up… maybe I won’t be able to afford 3-6 weeks on the road every 3 years…. But maybe the “bed race” will drop, maybe people will slow down and savour more what they are spending the money on… maybe when we can take our collective breaths of relief we will look around more frequently to make sure that others around us also have enough air…

I hope…

I do not know about all that. Who am I to throw stones and say who should be walking the Camino and who should not. I suppose at times even I have fallen into the category of "bad pilgrim" from time to time (damn whiskey in Pamplona lol). Also I suppose there has always been a cast of misfits walking religious pilgrimages since they started. Drunks, vagabonds, whores, thieves, hypocrites and scalawags.
No, I just want everyone who wants to walk the Camino to be able to walk it again. Everyone, me included. I look forward to the day (if it ever happens) when there is crowded albergues and cafes again. Races for beds and lines for a compostela in Santiago.
I hope.....

 

[Former member 91017]

I do not know about all that. Who am I to throw stones and say who should be walking the Camino and who should not. I suppose at times even I have fallen into the category of "bad pilgrim" from time to time (damn whiskey in Pamplona lol). Also I suppose there has always been a cast of misfits walking religious pilgrimages since they started. Drunks, vagabonds, whores, thieves, hypocrites and scalawags.
No, I just want everyone who wants to walk the Camino to be able to walk it again. Everyone, me included. I look forward to the day (if it ever happens) when there is crowded albergues and cafes again. Races for beds and lines for a compostela in Santiago.
I hope.....

Mmmmm…. I really wasn’t talking about should/shouldn’t or good/bad…. More about not having an “I bought it and I demand experience ‘x’…” interpretation of what “It’s my camino” means.

Put another way, and part of what inspired my post: the great plague of medieval Europe wiped out feudalism, gave rise to living wages and the eventual possibility for common people to own land, to have autonomy… the economic and political systems were totally revised.

I think from here, in my mid-50’s when it’s really too late to start all over, that the ways I have learned to navigate life may fade out — like avocado and mustard appliances of the 1970s. I do not know what those with the energy for change will do as they clear away the mess of Covid…. But I do hope it might be toward more communalism and less radical individualism. Less “normal”, more eclectic… I am leaning more and more toward those who see the pandemic as an opportunity not to return to normal (because normal was so fragile and dysfunctional that one virus could topple life as we knew it).

 

[VNwalking]

Thank you, Faye.
My thoughts exactly, said better than I would have.

 

[RJM]

Mmmmm…. I really wasn’t talking about should/shouldn’t or good/bad…. More about not having an “I bought it and I demand experience ‘x’…” interpretation of what “It’s my camino” means.

Put another way, and part of what inspired my post: the great plague of medieval Europe wiped out feudalism, gave rise to living wages and the eventual possibility for common people to own land, to have autonomy… the economic and political systems were totally revised.

I think from here, in my mid-50’s when it’s really too late to start all over, that the ways I have learned to navigate life may fade out — like avocado and mustard appliances of the 1970s. I do not know what those with the energy for change will do as they clear away the mess of Covid…. But I do hope it might be toward more communalism and less radical individualism. Less “normal”, more eclectic… I am leaning more and more toward those who see the pandemic as an opportunity not to return to normal (because normal was so fragile and dysfunctional that one virus could topple life as we knew it).

I do not think the pandemic has thinned out the human herd to the extent of bringing about the new world order it sounds like you hope for, lol.

 

[Former member 91017]

I do not think the pandemic has thinned out the human herd to the extent of bringing about the new world order it sounds like you hope for, lol.

Actually, myI hope is that we can take time reevaluate the ways we organize our days, and the things we value without killing off 90% of the working class, and that our contemplations might result in something greater than the contortions required to call "getting what I want regardless" into a putative state of magnanimity.

 

[VNwalking]

we can take time reevaluate the ways we organize our days, and the things we value without killing off 90% of the working class, and that our contemplations might result in something greater than the contortions required to call "getting what I want regardless" into a putative state of magnanimity.

May it be so!
Starting where each of us is.

 

[alexwalker]

The EU Corona Certificate is now active, as promised, on June 24. Here is what it looks like (Demo pictures):



The green version is for domestic (Norway) use, and the blue for EU/Schengen.

 

[RJM]

Actually, myI hope is that we can take time reevaluate the ways we organize our days, and the things we value without killing off 90% of the working class, and that our contemplations might result in something greater than the contortions required to call "getting what I want regardless" into a putative state of magnanimity.

"imagine there's no"......
(actually adjusted to today's economy he had a net worth of hundreds of millions of dollars at the time of his death and lived in a five million dollar penthouse apartment...so much for imagine no possessions shtick lol )

 

[Former member 91017]

"imagine there's no"......
(actually adjusted to today's economy he had a net worth of hundreds of millions of dollars at the time of his death and lived in a five million dollar penthouse apartment...so much for imagine no possessions shtick lol )

Which has what to do with anything I've ever said?

I'm a functionalist. Sometimes what that means is seeing the parts of a machine that are dysfunctional. It doesn't mean I'm some self-aggrandizing pseudo-hippie whose perspective is 45 years out of date.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

The EU Corona Certificate is now active, as promised, on June 24. Here is what it looks like (Demo pictures):

View attachment 103241View attachment 103240

The green version is for domestic (Norway) use, and the blue for EU/Schengen.

Made this week the QR for use in the Netherlands.
And from Juli 1st. I can make the QR for Europe.

 

[DarcyWalksThe World]

For those fully vaccinated, Delta should be no problem, according to the experts (among them, The Norwegian Health Institute). And vaccination is going fast in the EU. We are closing in on herd immunity.

But by all means, we don't know what may be coming. But, it is also time to start taking back our normal lives, or as normal as can be.

I agree the EU is on the way to herd immunity. But the % of those vaccinated in the USA is truly troubling. They won’t get to herd immunity with those number and the increíble amount of non-vaxxers.

 

[These2Feet]

Many things are happening fast now: Spain will soon not demand mask wearing; so is Greece planning. I just ordered 22 days in Crete, July/Aug., and then back for 10 days home before going to Barcelona-> Pamplona, for my next CF, last half of August, and as long as it takes. I will be slow this year. I shall truly live in the now this year. No problems; Flights are waiting for passengers, and hard-hit countries are waiting for visitors.

All I need for travelling is my EU Covid green Certificate, which I have, and a formal registration for coming in to Crete and another one for returning to Norway.And one for Spain. As of now: This will also be removed, IMHO. All in place today; will be handled on my phone, and most likely without national registration by mid-July. If not, current rules apply. Fine with me, as a fully vaccinated. No problem.

Bookings have exploded in Norway this weekend, after the ease of many EU restrictions, and people are booking travels everywhere inside the EU this weekend. It is a booking frenzy here.

Reports from travellers inside the EU is that everything works smoothly. Cues may form in airports bc of people not having their certificates ready at hand, so we need to expect some more waiting and lineups. There are always some slowhands among us... Estimate longer times in airport lines.

The next 2-3 weeks will bring more news of easing-ups, is my impression based on my government's press conference last Friday (July 18th). As the world (atleast some of it) gets more and more vaccinated, more issues will ease up. It looks like being a summer/autumn very much returning to "normal".

For those non-EU pilgrims out there, it seems that the EU is working hard on implementing solutions for you too. Spain/Greece/Italy & others need you too.

 

[Renascer]

I'm in fortress Australia and the title of this post made me feel like crying. We are likely to complete full 2 years without being able to leave the country, even if we have family overseas.

I'm glad to be safe and healthy, though. Strange and long Camino this one we are walking now...

Sorry. It is sad many of these situations.

 

[Mycroft]

I am so happy to hear your enthusiasm and the news re " getting back to normal" in the EU countries. If only that were the case here in Australia!
We are only at 3% of our population immunised and our immunisation program in dissaray.
Continual severe lockdowns here in Victoria for cases less than double digits. Internal borders closed, international travel banned, businesses and individuals
struggling and no end in sight.
My dreams of a retirement happily walking Camino's is fast disappearing. Thank God, for this forum and Facebook groups where I can walk vicariously through others. Meanwhile, I try to keep fit so I can walk when (????) I can. Buen Camino and enjoy your walking.

I have to admit that you made my jaw drop. Only 3%???????? With so many workable examples from countries around the world, what are they thinking?

Your closing paragraph resonanates with me--my plan was to do many pilgrimages in my retirement, and the pandemic made me realize how tenuous it all is.

 

[Robyn Scott]

Oh lucky you! The UK is entering its 3rd wave with new cases rising to 10,000/11,000 a day (mainly Delta variant) a rate that hasn't been seen here since February with a new "Super Spreader" event centred on . . . the G7 Conference!

It's all a bit like snakes and ladders isn't it?

Covid is surging in South Africa. The president will address the nation tonight and we are expecting he will impose another harsh lockdown. Wait and see. I have had half a vaccine. Vaccines are scarce as is the case in most African countries.

 

[Kathor1]

Therefore, vaccination cards, PCR tests, and recovery certificates shall no longer be required [for USA, UK -> Spain]

Not what I expected to be "normal" this summer. I expected that every traveller who enters an EU country, whether from inside the EU or from outside, has to have proof of either vaccination, recent test or recent recovery.

Some EU countries are still determined to be a lot stricter than others. So you may not have to show any proof when you go to Spain but you will have to have proof when you return to your home country and you may even have to quarantine depending on how the variant situations develop ...

 

[MinaKamina]

Germany has indicated Portugal as Virusvariantengebiet from Tuesday June 29, 00.00 hrs on for two weeks. with the possibility of an extension.

https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ...gebiete_aktuell_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile

Read carefully, the devil is in the details:

Persons who have spent time in an area of variants of concern prior to entry, must quarantine for14 days.

Following a stay in an area of variants of concern, the duration of quarantine may not be shortened

While many are so eager to travel to Spain or Portugal, the next question arises: what will my options be for the return journey? There may be huge problems ahead.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

The EU Corona Certificate is now active, as promised, on June 24. Here is what it looks like (Demo pictures):

View attachment 103241View attachment 103240

The green version is for domestic (Norway) use, and the blue for EU/Schengen.

QR Data:

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

I wonder what it all means?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Germany has indicated Portugal as Virusvariantengebiet from Tuesday June 29, 00.00 hrs on for two weeks. with the possibility of an extension.

https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ...gebiete_aktuell_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile

Read carefully, the devil is in the details:

Persons who have spent time in an area of variants of concern prior to entry, must quarantine for14 days.

Following a stay in an area of variants of concern, the duration of quarantine may not be shortened

While many are so eager to travel to Spain or Portugal, the next question arises: what will my options be for the return journey? There may be huge problems ahead.

Because they have a desperate, desperate calling to do the Camino right now and can't wait a moment longer even at the risk to their health and that of others?

(Should I remove my tongue from my cheek now? )

 

[alexwalker]

I wonder what it all means?

Maybe nothing, because it is a demo (if you tried the QR that I posted).

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Maybe nothing, because it is a demo (if you tried the QR that I posted).

But it must mean something - the QR has to be populated with data for it to work. For instance the QR from my last lateral flow test was LRF89203109 (the number of the test kit) I was just interested in what kind of data was being shared.

 

[Kathor1]

I wonder what it all means?

. That was the first thing I did with my certificate, too: Scanning the QR code with a QR reader and seeing only gibberish.

You can scan the QR code with an EU DCC verifier app. I tried the German CovPassCheck app first. It shows my name, date of birth and says "Zertifikat gültig", followed by the request to check my name and date of birth with the data on my ID.

I've also tried the French TousAntiCovid Verif app. It did not work a few days ago but now it works, too! Same result: After scanning the EU DCC code, it displays my first name, my family name, my date of birth. And a green checkmark with the word "Valide" next to it.

There is also a digital signature in the QR code to make sure the certificate is authentic.

Very little data is shared through the EU gateway platform. I don't know many technical details but I know that private data protection, not sharing of more than the most essential information and no traceability were a top priority when this project was developed.

 

[Kathor1]

I scanned the QR codes in the Norwegian sample with the two EU DCC verifier apps I have downloaded. One could not read it, the other one said: Certificate not valid.

They are just samples.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

. That was the first thing I did with my certificate, too: Scanning the QR code with a QR reader and seeing only gibberish.

You can scan the QR code with an EU DCC verifier app. I tried the German CovPassCheck app first. It shows my name, date of birth and says "Zertifikat gültig", followed by the request to check my name and date of birth with the data on my ID.

I've also tried the French TousAntiCovid Verif app. It did not work a few days ago but now it works, too! Same result: After scanning the EU DCC code, it displays my first name, my family name, my date of birth. And a green checkmark with the word "Valide" next to it.

There is also a digital signature in the QR code to make sure the certificate is authentic.

Very little data is shared through the EU gateway platform. I don't know many technical details but I know that private data protection, not sharing of more than the most essential information and no traceability were a top priority when this project was developed.

Ooh you Europeans! So advanced. I'd imagine a two hour wait at Gatwick while immigration sharpen their quill pens might be the order of the day coming into the UK

 

[SabsP]

Ooh you Europeans! So advanced. I'd imagine a two hour wait at Gatwick while immigration sharpen their quill pens might be the order of the day coming into the UK

Like a Blackadder scene... ( reference to quill pen ).

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Like a Blackadder scene... ( reference to quill pen ).

An article in The Guardian yesterday suggested that the EU may be looking at restricting UK television content as a result of Brexit. Mentioned that there was lots of opposition to the idea.

I didn't realise that UK TV was so popular in the rest of Europe. Shows like Blackadder I thought might not be so well appreciated but clearly that is incorrect

 

[SabsP]

An article in The Guardian yesterday suggested that the EU may be looking at restricting UK television content as a result of Brexit. Mentioned that there was lots of opposition to the idea.

I didn't realise that UK TV was so popular in the rest of Europe. Shows like Blackadder I thought might not be so well appreciated but clearly that is incorrect

Well it is here in Flanders anyway! I grew up with Monty Python. Also in Flanders and the Netherlands Anglo Saxon tv shows and movies are subtitled so nothing of the irony and tonque in cheek goes lost in translation.

Ok, back to the OP!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

An article in The Guardian yesterday suggested that the EU may be looking at restricting UK television content as a result of Brexit. Mentioned that there was lots of opposition to the idea.

I didn't realise that UK TV was so popular in the rest of Europe. Shows like Blackadder I thought might not be so well appreciated but clearly that is incorrect

At one time (can't check since I had my satellite dish realigned) RAI had a drama channel which showed British programmes undubbed and with English subtitles (think of the BBC Miss Marple series). An Italian colleague told me this meant you could follow the dialogue even if missed what was being said.
Yet another reason why mainland Europeans are better at foreign languages than the British!

 

[Kathor1]

Very little data is shared through the EU gateway platform. I don't know many technical details but I know that private data protection, not sharing of more than the most essential information and no traceability were a top priority when this project was developed.

I didn't realise this at first: I downloaded my vaccination certificate in EU DCC format through my health care agency and printed it out, in addition to storing the QR code on my iPhone. The printout contains details about the type of vaccine and when I got the last jab. It is printed on a A4 sheet in such a way that it can be folded twice down to A6 format. In A6 format, the data about the vaccine are hidden inside the "booklet" and the front page shows only the information that is also in the QR code: Surname(s) and forename(s), date of birth, and a Unique Certificate Identifier. Neat.

Did I say already that the protection of private data is taken seriously?

 

[CalgaryLynn]

An article in The Guardian yesterday suggested that the EU may be looking at restricting UK television content as a result of Brexit. Mentioned that there was lots of opposition to the idea.

I didn't realise that UK TV was so popular in the rest of Europe. Shows like Blackadder I thought might not be so well appreciated but clearly that is incorrect

And in Canada too. I love British TV, movies, serials etc. etc. I never watch American TV ever.

 

[alexwalker]

And in Canada too. I love British TV, movies, serials etc. etc. I never watch American TV ever.

I was once in Bermuda and got the worst food poisoning the doctor had seen in +20 years practice. For 5 days I had to stay in bed or the bathroom, or running between the two, watching only US TV. Never again. BBC &Norw. TV are my favorites. But we are far off topic now...

 

[Kathor1]

5SOGFJS0/MP4P+3N-/P.SGH3KZ2P2Z00V6UBAMNO9C7L$G6HVOXSI+SA6KOWFSPF*56 4KIYS$2OPCFV89RKT

I wonder what it all means?

I just noticed that they made a legal text public for laying down technical specifications and rules for the implementation of the trust framework for the EU Digital COVID Certificate. See Annex I-IV of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/1073. That's twenty pages full of technical specifications ...

So the 1st of July has finally come, and it is a bit of an anti-climax. Not much seem to have changed since yesterday ...

 

[Esauro57]

The problem is not going... but coming back home... possibly having to quarantine and covid testing due to the new Delta variant in a rapidly evolving situation...i just read that 33 people in a plane from Majorca-to Santiago were found positive to Delta and they are now in quarantine in Galizia. (Ansa.it 30/06/2021). Lisbon in Red zone...I guess Santiago is sadly going to have to wait a few years for me ...even if i have had 2 Moderna shots and have the green Pass...Guess i need to pray to Santiago to ask God to stop all this ---if he wants me to visit Santiago again ... if not I'll wait and give him more time to fix things for us all ...all of this in his time,not mine, of course

 

[Kathor1]

The problem is not going... but coming back home.

I was thinking today ... now that we all have our EU Digital Covid certificates or know how and where to get them ... did anyone have their EU DCC checked yet?

And I was also thinking, depending on where you live, you may not get checked much when you arrive at the destination airport of your trip but you will be checked when you arrive back home again at your departure airport.

And then I was wondering whether this thing will stay ... whether eventually all our vaccinations will be stored in this or a very similar system that allows cross border checking and verification ...

 

[Kathor1]

Anyway, as far as Spain is concerned, if you fly there with an EU DCC you will be issued with a FAST CONTROL QR to be checked by the Spanish health service at Barajas and not with a DOCUMENTARY CONTROL QR. That's the theory. Anyone already been there, done that, noticed a difference?