Reunion Island, the overseas territory of the French Republic in the Indian Ocean, has started lifting its travel restrictions, and will be ready to welcome international travellers from July 10.
The island's authorities have announced the lifting of compulsory quarantine for visitors to the island, with some stringent health and safety measures to be followed by all travellers.
New safety protocols for travellers include:
Compulsory testing - Visitors will no longer need to justify the reason for travelling. All people travelling to the island will need to take a compulsory RT-PCR test from July 10.
Use of masks - Masks will be compulsory for all travellers, aged 11 years and over. Visitors should maintain good hygiene while travelling and social distancing should be maintained during the flight and in all public places.
On arrival - Those flying to the Reunion Island before July 10 will need to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival, followed by another RT-PCR test. Those who skipped the test prior to boarding will have to self-isolate for 14 days, and carry out a screening test thereafter.
Transportation - All hygiene measures and social distancing measures must be followed in vehicles. Adults and teenagers should wear masks. Car hire companies must ensure that vehicles are deep-cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Accommodation - All necessary hygiene measures must be respected, to be granted access to restaurant services and swimming pools. Wearing a mask in communal places is compulsory.
Restaurants - Public dining spaces will be adapted to ensure social distancing. Masks are compulsory inside when moving around the restaurant, but not while eating.
Leisure activities - All natural areas such as beaches, cirques and volcanoes are already open to the public. Leisure activities may be accessed if the applicable health measures are respected. Inside cultural venues, the flow of visitors will be regulated. For specific sports activities, there is a list of health recommendations applicable to each activity.
For a brief idea about their health and safety procedures, visit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2mdIsstMH4&feature=youtu.be
Image credit: bebopeloula/Flickr
