Blogging In Italy

OF HIGH IMPORTANCE:

Several people have written to ask me more about what is needed to travel to Italy. Speaking specifically for Americans, Italy requires you to complete the EU Digital Passenger Locator Form (dPLF) prior to boarding, available via your airline or online. This is NOT in place of a Vaccination card, rather it is used as necessary for contact tracing. (Probably a similar requirement for others, but ALL should check latest requirements before any departure.) 

What has been confusing in the last few days is what is required to enter restaurants, cultural places, etc. For Italians, it’s the green card, but so far, only those vaccinated in Italy receive one. Per several journals, including this description found in The Local it and updated August 5, things have become a bit clearer:

“People who have proof of Covid-19 vaccination, testing or recovery from one of five countries outside the European Union will be able to use it as a health passport in Italy, the Italian government has confirmed.

As Italy prepares to extend the public spaces where a so-called ‘green pass’ is required, the government has given its first indications about how visitors from non-EU countries can access the scheme.Travellers from any country in the EU or Schengen Zone can already use their national certificates in Italy as they would at home. In its latest ordinance of July 29th, the Italian Health Ministry confirmed that documents issued by health authorities in any of the following countries would also be accepted in Italy:

• Canada
• Israel
• Japan
• United Kingdom (including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Gibraltar, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and British military bases on Cyprus)
• United States of America

Certificates can be shown in digital or paper format, the Ministry said, without giving further details.

While visitors from Canada, Israel, Japan and the US can already use health certificates issued in their own countries to avoid quarantine in Italy, the Italian government has separate restrictions on the UK that oblige travellers to self-isolate for five days on arrival.” (The Local it)

Last night, we saw restaurants accepting VAX cards for indoor dining, so this seems to be working.

A Correction: Thanks to an astute friend who questioned my math: the number of days since our arrival was 582, not 947! (one year too many!)

Finally, street dining last night a la Cortona!

©blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,

Judy

 

 

 

After 947 days, we have finally returned to Cortona and my thoughts can be summed up in this quote by Stephen King: “Sooner or later, everything old is new again.” (Author look-up required). For me, new is not the sights, sounds and smells of Italy, rather the learning of current mores, i.e., the new customs, conventions and the new ways of doing things with the pandemic.

Tuscany is currently classified as a “white” zone, meaning it has the least restrictions. Masks do not have to be worn outdoors, except in crowded areas, although many still wear them.  As of yesterday, however, certain activities like indoor dining, leisure venues and cultural sites will only be available to those with a Certificazione Verde, (green pass) or as in our case, (we think) a Passenger Locator Form. (Some of the logistics are still not clear.) Both of these show digital proof of either vaccination status, recent negative test results, or recovery.

As for Cortona proper, we were surprised to find the streets alive with tourists, mostly from the north. Families from The Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium are enjoying the sights and sounds of Cortona, and especially the bars, cafes and restaurants. Nary a table is available without a reservation – finally some great news for the local establishments. Most dining is outdoors as the town has made extra space accommodations, including closing some street traffic on the weekends. So, although the streets are not packed as usual in August, there are thankfully enough people to boost the local economy a bit.

Seeing old friends/acquaintances is interesting – making a split second decision on a huge “welcome back hug” or going the safer “happy to see you elbow bump”?

Ordering is interesting – Do I enter to order a cappuccino or to pay? (Answer: no, yes, and it depends!)

There’s still a short line up at the in-town grocers, pharmacies, etc., but given their size, that’s just fine in my book. The reality is, while we personally jumped at the chance to be vaccinated, not all did the same. 

Our flights were long as we needed to travel Chicago – Dallas – Rome, but no snags along the way, including at FCO. In fact, it was probably our fastest exit with checked baggage. I suspect this was due to many fewer travelers arriving from the US and and Canada. 

We were touch and go until the very end, but are happy to be here after missing our last three trips. And given our jet lag time differences, we even manage to find outdoor tables when needed.  

And then of course, some things never change.

Few things can say Welcome Back more than this:

©blogginginitaly.com

or this!

Ciao for now,
Judy

Note: If you are planning a trip to Italy, or the EU, be sure to check the latest travel requirements as they change often.