At a press conference (Tuesday, June 12), the Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir announced that from June 15, the 14 day quarantine will not be mandatory for passengers arriving at Keflavík International Airport. Instead, tourists and Icelandic residents entering the country will be given the option of being screened for the novel coronavirus.
After being screened at the airport, arriving passengers will go to their overnight accommodations, where they await the results. In addition, every arriving passenger will be asked to download the COVID-19 tracing app “Rakning C-19“ which helps authorities trace the origin of transmissions.
Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Innovation says:
- “When travellers return to Iceland we want to have all mechanisms in place to safeguard them and the progress made in controlling the pandemic. Iceland's strategy of large-scale testing, tracing and isolating have proven effective so far. We want to build on that experience of creating a safe place for those who want a change of scenery after what has been a tough spring for all of us.”
The proposed border opening depends on the continued decline of cases in Iceland. At this point, only three cases of the virus have been diagnosed in May, only 15 individuals have the virus in Iceland, and more than 15% of Iceland's population have been tested. Authorities stated it could also be implemented earlier than June 15 if preparations go well, and the number of cases remains low. The testing may be used toward further research of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.
The City of Turku, Finland is planning to develop the port area with construction of new terminal by the end of 2024. Both Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line operators will use a new joint terminal on the Turku–Stockholm regular route in accordance with their current schedules.
Canada is the second largest country in the world, which means it has a lot to offer and lots of beautiful places to explore. We will also try to get to know people living here and get an idea of a true Canadian spirit.
Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, announced that LVMH and Belmond, owners, part-owners or managers of 46 luxury hotel, restaurant, train and river cruise properties, have entered into an agreement for LVMH to acquire Belmond.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, today announced the highly-anticipated opening of The St. Regis Cairo. Rising tall on the banks of the River Nile, The St. Regis Cairo is an illustrious icon weaving a powerful story of luxury in the region. Located at the North end of the Corniche, in the heart of Egypt’s bustling metropolis, the 39-story hotel offers easy access to the magnificent monuments of a city steeped in history.