PARIS, France — The French returned to their beloved cafe terraces Wednesday, while the EU said it would open its borders to vaccinated travelers as life crept back to normal in Europe after months of punishing restrictions.
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But India was still grappling with its spiraling outbreak, as it once again hit a record daily number of
coronavirus deaths and hospitals struggled to keep up with climbing cases.
As health workers administered the world’s 1.5 billionth COVID-19
vaccine dose, there was hope that immunization campaigns will allow countries to finally emerge from the pandemic.
The EU said Wednesday it would allow fully vaccinated visitors into the bloc and increase the level of new cases that a country can hit before being declared unsafe — a measure that would open up travel into Europe from more places.
It was the latest step toward return to normal in Europe that in recent days has seen Britain open pubs, gyms, and other indoor venues, Italy relax curfews and Portugal welcome returning tourists.
France joined the party on Wednesday, allowing outdoor dining at cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as visits to museums, cinemas, and theaters after six months of restrictions and ahead of a full reopening of the economy on June 30.
“It feels good. There is a sense of euphoria in the city center,” said Patricia Marchand, a manager of the Cafe des Feuilles in the northwestern city of Rennes.
In Paris, demand for tickets to a Renaissance sculpture show was brisk at the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre.
Austria also relaxed measures Wednesday, reopening restaurants and bars after six months — but only for those who have tested negative, have received at least one vaccine shot or have recovered from coronavirus.
“It feels strange after so many months,” 46-year-old Christoph Neubauer said over coffee in Vienna with a colleague.
“But I really look forward to tonight, because I have a reservation for a restaurant.”
And in New York, rules requiring masks and social distancing are also set to ease, although some residents remained cautious.
“I think it is too early,” said Manhattan restaurant manager Juan Rosas, who plans to still require masks, even for vaccinated patrons.
“I think they rushed the decision.”
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