As several European nations reopen and allow tourists, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Hans Kluge, regional director for Europe, said that Europe is "by no means out of danger".

"With increasing social gatherings, greater population mobility and large festivals and sports tournaments taking place in the coming days and weeks, WHO Europe calls for caution," the UN health body's top official said.

Watch:

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Kluge was referring to sports tournaments, namely the French Open which is underway in Paris currently and the mega European football championships set to begin on Saturday which attracts people from across the continent with top teams taking part. The Wimbledon tennis tournament is also set to take place in London next month.

"In six months, more than 400 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the region. This summer, vaccination needs to happen at a much faster pace," Klunge asserted.

WHO's top official said that Europe still hasn't achieved sufficient protection against a possible COVID-19 resurgence since at least 80 per cent vaccination coverage of the adult population was&nbsp;required.

Kluge said that 30 per cent people in Europe have received at least one vaccine dose and just 17 per cent have completed both doses of the vaccine while cautioning that "we have not come far enough."

European nations began their reopening process last month and further allowed tourists with Greece and Spain set to open their borders for tourists who have been&nbsp;vaccinated.&nbsp;

France on Wednesday allowed outdoor dining as coronavirus cases showed marked decline and pushed back the nighttime curfew while aiming to end curfews altogether by June 30.

Kluge acknowledged that there was an overall decline in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths for the past two months in Europe but urged countries not to repeat "mistakes".

"Over the course of last summer, cases gradually rose in younger age groups and then moved into older age groups, contributing to a devastating resurgence, lockdowns and loss of life, in the autumn and winter of 2020," WHO's regional director reminded officials in Europe.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As several European nations reopen and allow tourists, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Hans Kluge, regional director for Europe, said that Europe is "by no means out of danger".

As several European nations reopen and allow tourists, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Hans Kluge, regional director for Europe, said that Europe is "by no means out of danger". "With increasing social gatherings, greater population mobility and large festivals and sports tournaments taking place in the coming days and weeks, WHO Europe calls for caution," the UN health body's top official said. Watch: Kluge was referring to sports tournaments, namely the French Open which is underway in Paris currently and the mega European football championships set to begin on Saturday which attracts people from across the continent with top teams taking part. The Wimbledon tennis tournament is also set to take place in London next month. "In six months, more than 400 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the region. This summer, vaccination needs to happen at a much faster pace," Klunge asserted. WHO's top official said that Europe still hasn't achieved sufficient protection against a possible COVID-19 resurgence since at least 80 per cent vaccination coverage of the adult population was required. Kluge said that 30 per cent people in Europe have received at least one vaccine dose and just 17 per cent have completed both doses of the vaccine while cautioning that "we have not come far enough." European nations began their reopening process last month and further allowed tourists with Greece and Spain set to open their borders for tourists who have been vaccinated. France on Wednesday allowed outdoor dining as coronavirus cases showed marked decline and pushed back the nighttime curfew while aiming to end curfews altogether by June 30. Kluge acknowledged that there was an overall decline in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths for the past two months in Europe but urged countries not to repeat "mistakes". "Over the course of last summer, cases gradually rose in younger age groups and then moved into older age groups, contributing to a devastating resurgence, lockdowns and loss of life, in the autumn and winter of 2020," WHO's regional director reminded officials in Europe. (With inputs from Agencies)

We are by no means out of danger, WHO alerts Europe on virus resurgence

Spain which is was one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe due to the virus opened its gates to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-calls-on-g7-to-vaccinate-world-by-end-of-2022-389687">vaccinated</a> tourists on Monday in a bid to revive its tourism sector and boost the economy.

International flights began arriving in the country with tourists over a year after the pandemic ravaged the economy with the death toll and cases hitting new highs last year.&nbsp;Several visitors were seen at the popular Spanish resort of Malaga.

Watch:

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The country had earlier allowed tourists from ten non-EU countries to enter without a negative COVID-19 PCR test which included Britain, &nbsp;Australia, New Zealand and Israel. "They're welcome - more than welcome - without restrictions nor health controls," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said earlier.

However, Britain has continued to keep Spain on its list of risky countries. The British tourists make up the bulk of traffic to the country during the summer, however, reports say the British government would be relooking the situation after three weeks disappointing Spanish authorities who feel it would mean losing summer tourists.

The country has kept wearing masks as a mandatory part of its COVID-19 guidelines even as Spain's health emergency chief Fernando Simon said: "If the situation evolves as it is currently doing. I believe it could be feasible that the mask would not be needed in outdoor open spaces in mid or late June and very likely, almost with certainty at the end of July."

Spain's health minister had Carolina Darias had earlier said some areas in the country with low infection rates will be allowed to reopen nightlife although bars and restaurants have already opened in Madrid.

Last Wednesday, fatalities due to the virus in the country crossed the&nbsp;80,000 mark with 3.68 million cases although infection rates have dropped drastically to 121 cases per 100,000 last month which is nearly half since April.

Hotels have also reportedly witnessed an increase in bookings since restrictions were lifted in May. Last month police had to move in after the lockdown restrictions were eased in Barcelona as authorities tried to prevent overcrowding.&nbsp;

The Spanish government had lifted the six-month state of emergency on May 9 with&nbsp;the country's vaccination driving&nbsp;picking&nbsp;up as authorities informed&nbsp;nearly twenty-five per cent of the population have&nbsp;been vaccinated with at least one dose.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Spain which is was one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe due to the virus opened its gates to vaccinated tourists on Monday in a bid to revive its tourism sector and boost the economy.

Spain which is was one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe due to the virus opened its gates to vaccinated tourists on Monday in a bid to revive its tourism sector and boost the economy. International flights began arriving in the country with tourists over a year after the pandemic ravaged the economy with the death toll and cases hitting new highs last year. Several visitors were seen at the popular Spanish resort of Malaga. Watch: The country had earlier allowed tourists from ten non-EU countries to enter without a negative COVID-19 PCR test which included Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. "They're welcome - more than welcome - without restrictions nor health controls," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had said earlier. However, Britain has continued to keep Spain on its list of risky countries. The British tourists make up the bulk of traffic to the country during the summer, however, reports say the British government would be relooking the situation after three weeks disappointing Spanish authorities who feel it would mean losing summer tourists. The country has kept wearing masks as a mandatory part of its COVID-19 guidelines even as Spain's health emergency chief Fernando Simon said: "If the situation evolves as it is currently doing. I believe it could be feasible that the mask would not be needed in outdoor open spaces in mid or late June and very likely, almost with certainty at the end of July." Spain's health minister had Carolina Darias had earlier said some areas in the country with low infection rates will be allowed to reopen nightlife although bars and restaurants have already opened in Madrid. Last Wednesday, fatalities due to the virus in the country crossed the 80,000 mark with 3.68 million cases although infection rates have dropped drastically to 121 cases per 100,000 last month which is nearly half since April. Hotels have also reportedly witnessed an increase in bookings since restrictions were lifted in May. Last month police had to move in after the lockdown restrictions were eased in Barcelona as authorities tried to prevent overcrowding. The Spanish government had lifted the six-month state of emergency on May 9 with the country's vaccination driving picking up as authorities informed nearly twenty-five per cent of the population have been vaccinated with at least one dose. (With inputs from Agencies)

Spain opens borders to vaccinated travellers as tourists begin arriving

European Union(EU) on Wednesday agreed to allow visitors from outside the bloc <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-big-pharma-is-trying-to-block-vaccine-patent-waivers-385902">vaccinated</a> with EU-authorised vaccines.

Watch:

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"EU ambassadors agreed to update the approach to travel from outside the European Union," Christian Wigand, EU spokesman said.

The proposal was moved earlier this month to include "safe" countries.

"The Council should also soon expand the list of non-EU countries with a good epidemiological situation from where travel is permitted based on the new criteria agreed today," Wigand added.&nbsp;

Wigand asserted that "emergency brake would be used to limit the risk of variants entering the bloc"&nbsp;

"This will help progressively resume international inbound travel where it's possible to do so safely," the EU spokesman added.

The European Union had disallowed non-essential travel since March last year as the continent battled the virus. However, after the vaccination drive, several countries have begun to reopen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-increasingly-confident-that-vaccines-work-against-variant-first-detected-in-india-says-boris-johnson-386056">British </a>citizens would soon be allowed due to its vaccination drive. The EU had earlier issued a green list which included citizens from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-for-asia-singapore-approves-pfizer-vaccine-for-teens-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases-386055">Singapore</a>, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Israel, New Zealand and Rwanda to enter the 27 countries.

Shops in France reopened on Wednesday for the first time in over two months as it began emerging from the third lockdown in the last one year.

The country's authorities also reopened museums, cinemas and cafes&nbsp;after more than six months of coronavirus curbs.

Amid the euphoria, French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-african-leaders-push-to-redirect-100-billion-in-imf-sdr-reserves-by-october-385938">Macron</a> said: "If we manage to organise ourselves, vaccinate and maintain collective discipline, there is no reason that we cannot continue to progress."

European Union(EU) on Wednesday agreed to allow visitors from outside the bloc vaccinated with EU-authorised vaccines. Watch: "EU ambassadors agreed to update the approach to travel from outside the European Union," Christian Wigand, EU spokesman said.

European Union(EU) on Wednesday agreed to allow visitors from outside the bloc vaccinated with EU-authorised vaccines. Watch: "EU ambassadors agreed to update the approach to travel from outside the European Union," Christian Wigand, EU spokesman said. The proposal was moved earlier this month to include "safe" countries. "The Council should also soon expand the list of non-EU countries with a good epidemiological situation from where travel is permitted based on the new criteria agreed today," Wigand added. Wigand asserted that "emergency brake would be used to limit the risk of variants entering the bloc" "This will help progressively resume international inbound travel where it's possible to do so safely," the EU spokesman added. The European Union had disallowed non-essential travel since March last year as the continent battled the virus. However, after the vaccination drive, several countries have begun to reopen. British citizens would soon be allowed due to its vaccination drive. The EU had earlier issued a green list which included citizens from Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Israel, New Zealand and Rwanda to enter the 27 countries. Shops in France reopened on Wednesday for the first time in over two months as it began emerging from the third lockdown in the last one year. The country's authorities also reopened museums, cinemas and cafes after more than six months of coronavirus curbs. Amid the euphoria, French President Macron said: "If we manage to organise ourselves, vaccinate and maintain collective discipline, there is no reason that we cannot continue to progress."

As Europe reopens, European Union to ease travel restrictions for non-EU tourists

According to a New York Times report, European Union(EU) is mulling blocking Americans from entering its territory since&nbsp;the United States has failed to properly curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch Video:

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Several European nations including France, Germany, Spain and Austria have opened their land borders as coronavirus restrictions were eased in the past month, however, EU officials are trying to bring up a list of countries whose citizens will be barred from entering the continent with several nations still battling the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-has-brought-the-united-states-on-its-knees-cdc-director-308102">Also Read:'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees', says CDC director</a>

The NYT report said if EU officials club US citizens along with Russian and Brazilians, it would be a big blow for the Trump administration. The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 2.3 million cases and 120,000 deaths.

Trump had earlier banned &nbsp;citizens from most European Union countries from travelling to America as the virus cases began to mount in Europe in March. EU which comprises of 27 countries had earlier barred American trallevers including those&nbsp;from other nations from entering the European Union as the virus cases increased.&nbsp;

However, now with Europe reopening its borders for trade and free movement of traffic, EU officials are expected to take a final decision on reopening the borders early next week, the NYT report claimed before the bloc reopens on July 1.

"Prohibiting American travellers from entering the European Union would have significant economic, cultural and geopolitical ramifications," the NYT report asserted with several million American travellers visiting Europe in the summer including business travellers who have huge stakes in European countries.

NYT said it is unclear if American officials are aware of the development. The NYT report quoting European officials added that the US could be added later to the list, which would be "revised" every two weeks based on infection rates, although it was&nbsp;"unlikely an exception would be made for the United States". &nbsp;

According to a New York Times report, European Union(EU) is mulling blocking Americans from entering its territory since the United States has failed to properly curb the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a New York Times report, European Union(EU) is mulling blocking Americans from entering its territory since the United States has failed to properly curb the coronavirus pandemic. Watch Video: Several European nations including France, Germany, Spain and Austria have opened their land borders as coronavirus restrictions were eased in the past month, however, EU officials are trying to bring up a list of countries whose citizens will be barred from entering the continent with several nations still battling the virus. Also Read:'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees', says CDC director The NYT report said if EU officials club US citizens along with Russian and Brazilians, it would be a big blow for the Trump administration. The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 2.3 million cases and 120,000 deaths. Trump had earlier banned citizens from most European Union countries from travelling to America as the virus cases began to mount in Europe in March. EU which comprises of 27 countries had earlier barred American trallevers including those from other nations from entering the European Union as the virus cases increased. However, now with Europe reopening its borders for trade and free movement of traffic, EU officials are expected to take a final decision on reopening the borders early next week, the NYT report claimed before the bloc reopens on July 1. "Prohibiting American travellers from entering the European Union would have significant economic, cultural and geopolitical ramifications," the NYT report asserted with several million American travellers visiting Europe in the summer including business travellers who have huge stakes in European countries. NYT said it is unclear if American officials are aware of the development. The NYT report quoting European officials added that the US could be added later to the list, which would be "revised" every two weeks based on infection rates, although it was "unlikely an exception would be made for the United States".

European Union may block American travellers over failure to curb virus: Report

The iconic Bellagio fountain has been restarted, the famous casinos of Las Vegas are back in action and several resorts on the Las Vegas strip have reopened.

"The casino is open. I want to play. I miss coming out. I'm stuck in the house all the time, but I miss coming out, so it's a great opportunity," Christine Almeida, casino patron, said.

Restaurants and bars across the world are opening up but a lot has changed.

In South Korea, humanoid bartenders are ready to serve customers.

"A lot of people are worried about food or beverages that are made by humans. At our cafe, robots and people work together to provide beverages to people more safely and since the cocktail robot makes the drinks, it calculates and measures more precisely, so it's nice that we can always provide the same taste and quality," Kim Tae-wan, a Korean manager at cafe Bot Bot Bot, said.&nbsp;

Restaurants in Belgium have been installing plastic screens to maintain social distancing while in Tokyo, mannequins have been placed in a restaurant to keep the real customers safe.

"We tried to put stickers (on seats for social distancing), but it made the restaurant look dreary. So we decided to use mannequins to solve that issue. Also, we are open, but our customers are not back full-scale, so our restaurant looked very empty and we wanted to add more excitement, so we added them (mannequins) for those two reasons," Arata Funabara, owner of "cheers one", said.

Diners at a restaurant in Japan will be greeted by a receptionist but only through a monitor. They are then given detailed instructions for disinfecting hands, taking their own temperature, and finding their own table using a map. Orders are taken using an online menu and dividers ensure social distancing.

As bars across Europe gradually open, up to a million free or pre-paid beers are ready to be served. Beer makers have launched schemes. In some cases&nbsp;there is a reward for a free beer when the bar doors reopen.

App user, project manager, Thomas Hoffner Lovgren, 37, asked if the initiative will make him buy beers in addition to the free one, he said: "I can't remember the last time I only had one beer, so definitely."

Restaurant and bar owners are trying their best to lure back customers and it's been a long wait. Your favourite meal and drinks are ready to be served but remember there is a virus on the prowl.&nbsp;

Stay safe.

The iconic Bellagio fountain has been restarted, the famous casinos of Las Vegas are back in action and several resorts on the Las Vegas strip have reopened. "The casino is open.

The iconic Bellagio fountain has been restarted, the famous casinos of Las Vegas are back in action and several resorts on the Las Vegas strip have reopened. "The casino is open. I want to play. I miss coming out. I'm stuck in the house all the time, but I miss coming out, so it's a great opportunity," Christine Almeida, casino patron, said. Restaurants and bars across the world are opening up but a lot has changed. In South Korea, humanoid bartenders are ready to serve customers. "A lot of people are worried about food or beverages that are made by humans. At our cafe, robots and people work together to provide beverages to people more safely and since the cocktail robot makes the drinks, it calculates and measures more precisely, so it's nice that we can always provide the same taste and quality," Kim Tae-wan, a Korean manager at cafe Bot Bot Bot, said. Restaurants in Belgium have been installing plastic screens to maintain social distancing while in Tokyo, mannequins have been placed in a restaurant to keep the real customers safe. "We tried to put stickers (on seats for social distancing), but it made the restaurant look dreary. So we decided to use mannequins to solve that issue. Also, we are open, but our customers are not back full-scale, so our restaurant looked very empty and we wanted to add more excitement, so we added them (mannequins) for those two reasons," Arata Funabara, owner of "cheers one", said. Diners at a restaurant in Japan will be greeted by a receptionist but only through a monitor. They are then given detailed instructions for disinfecting hands, taking their own temperature, and finding their own table using a map. Orders are taken using an online menu and dividers ensure social distancing. As bars across Europe gradually open, up to a million free or pre-paid beers are ready to be served. Beer makers have launched schemes. In some cases there is a reward for a free beer when the bar doors reopen. App user, project manager, Thomas Hoffner Lovgren, 37, asked if the initiative will make him buy beers in addition to the free one, he said: "I can't remember the last time I only had one beer, so definitely." Restaurant and bar owners are trying their best to lure back customers and it's been a long wait. Your favourite meal and drinks are ready to be served but remember there is a virus on the prowl. Stay safe.

Restaurants and bars reopen across the world amid coronavirus pandemic

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We are by no means out of danger, WHO alerts Europe on virus resurgence

Spain opens borders to vaccinated travellers as tourists begin arriving

As Europe reopens, European Union to ease travel restrictions for non-EU tourists

European Union may block American travellers over failure to curb virus: Report

Restaurants and bars reopen across the world amid coronavirus pandemic