VIENNA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian government announced that the border between Germany and the Alpine country will fully open on June 15, local media reported Wednesday.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday outlined a two-stage opening process: some German-Austrian border crossings are to be opened for commuters and residents from Wednesday, while a full opening is set to take place on June 15, the Austrian Press Agency (APA) reported Tuesday.
Austria's tourism heavily depends on German summer vacationers. The industry has been pushing for clarity regarding the summer season.
Tourism Minister Elisabeth Koestinger told radio station O1 on Wednesday that Austria's borders with some countries will be opened in the coming weeks. But trips to Italy and other classic holiday countries such as Spain and Greece will take longer to resume.
Travel to neighboring countries would first be possible by car or train. "Air traffic will remain limited," said Koestinger, adding decisions are made based on the infection numbers.
Austria closed its borders to almost all neighboring countries within a few days in mid-March to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Beginning with Italy, foreign citizens could only enter with a medical certificate with negative COVID-19 test results, while people with permanent residence in Austria were subject to a two-week home quarantine. Enditem
