Will the 7th Covid-19 wave impact Tourism?
The virus appears again just when Covid-19 seems to have slowed down in a stroke of luck. Europe is undergoing a wave of infections that are beginning to worry the authorities and the travel and tourism industry, although not alarming yet. Both of them do not want to see the high season compromised. Will the 7th Covid-19 wave impact Tourism?
The European Union reported 639,827 cases on Friday last week. Small and steady increases have been reported in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, while the Netherlands has already recorded a peak in cases. Even though this data is not yet meaningful, there is already concern that a seventh wave is developing.
COVID & Tourism
This epidemic recovery should not create a giant wave. The virus responsible for the January epidemic wave has mutated into a more contagious variant called BA.2, making it more difficult for people to escape it. According to modelling by the Pasteur Institute: “The good weather is arriving, which means we will be outside, and there is less risk.”
There are no alarming signs in intensive care units: “The most vulnerable patients and those not vaccinated face the greatest risk; therefore, we urge them to wear their masks and receive a booster shot”.
Tourism entrepreneurs have expressed concern about this “resurgence” of Covid-19.
Even though the current strain is less deadly than previous ones and does not cause hospitalizations, there are already fears that restrictions may come as part of a process, just as the countries open their borders again.
We are in for a promising season
The Bad News is coming at the wrong time for tourism. Easter weekend is about two weeks away, and spring is usually a busy time for tourism. We are also approaching the peak for the summer season booking time. In light of this, a seventh wave would be a further blow to the already hard-hit sector.
In the coming months, the resurgence of the pandemic, coupled with the war in Ukraine, which is already taking a toll on airlines, shipping companies, hotels and triggering an increase in fuel prices, could have devastating consequences.
Switzerland is relatively high in many daily new cases of Covid-19, but nothing alarming at present. The federal government is following developments and does not show concern.
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Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
