Is it safe to travel to Sardinia?

28 Sep 2020 Coronavirus Sardinia @bluAlghero-Sardinia

the questions that everyone is asking right now with the coranavirus outbreak in Italy

Is traveling in Italy safe? Is it safe to travel to Sardinia in this moment ?

The coronavirus epidemic that broke out on February 20, in northern Italy has left everyone incredulous and lost. With the increase in cases of Covid-19 infection, the whole of Italy had to stop and close completely to preserve the health of the entire population. These have been difficult and frightening months for everyone.

Today the situation continues to remain under maximum observation in an attempt to keep the contagion curve low.

Many tourists wonder now if it is safe to travel to Italy and to Sardinia? What does it mean to be in Sardinia right now?

In this article, we will try to examine the facts about the situation and provide you with the information you need in regards of the recent coronavirus outbreak

What is the situation now – September 2020?

We won’t go into detail here, rather we’ll give you a general overview and explain what you should know as a traveler.

The spread of the coronavirus was mainly concentrated in the North of Italy and more precisely in the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia Romagna and Piedmont. In the cities of Bergamo, Lodi and Cremona the largest number of infections were recorded. Piacenza and Parma were the most affected cities of Emilia Romagna. The other cities affected by the contagion were found in the Veneto region in the city of Padua mostly

In the rest of Italy the situation has always been under control thanks to important containment measures. The south of Italy including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily were the least affected.

coronavirus italie map — *The map shows the first outbreaks of Coronavirus in the regions and provinces of northern Italy in late February 2020*

How Italy is handling the Covid-19 epidemic?

The Italian government is deploying all the resources necessary to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists who visit the country

The most important measures that have been taken in the very beginning of the outbreak

Closure of schools and universities
Suspension of sporting and cultural events
Closing of cinemas and theaters
Closing of gyms and sports centers
Closing of all shops (except for supermarkets, farmacies and tobaccos)
Closure of ports and airports

Other measures in regards of social life all over Italy

Stay at least one meter away from each other in public places
No hugs, handshakes and physical contacts
Wash hands often
Sneezing and coughing on a tissue
Stay home

In general everything related to the gathering of a large number of people has been suspended.

All of Italy has been quarantined for over 50 days. The loosening of the lockdown (phase 2) took place starting from May 4, 2020

How does Sardinia behave with the coronavirus?

Sardinia recorded a fairly low number of infections during the initial phase of the epidemic. Up to July 2020, about 1300 people came into contact with the virus. It is one of the 5 least affected Italian regions together with the Valle d’Aosta, Calabria, Molise and Basilicata. Most of the infections occurred within the RSA and among health workers right at the beginning of the outbreak.

It is very likely that Sardinia – thanks to the timely blocking of borders and its natural isolation – prevented the virus from spreading more and the prompt quarantining of positive cases made the situation under control

With the arrival of tourists and the opening of borders that allowed the free movement of passengers, the number of infections has slowly grown. There has been an increase in infections, especially in some areas of the island. The Costa Smeralda in particular and some areas of central Sardinia. It should be noted that the increase in positive cases has particularly concerned young people between 20 and 40 years of age and that the majority of cases recorded concern asymptomatic people.

The situation constantly monitored day by day, if not hour by hour. Ports and airports are controlled for the disembarkation of passengers. The temperature is checked for all arrivals

How safe is it to travel to Sardinia right now?

Sardinia prepared an effective health protocol to welcome tourists in complete safety. Ports and airports are being reorganized for the reopening for passengers safely: respect for distances, use of masks and use of hand sanitizing.

The situation is monitored with great attention. Sardinia from 15 June 2020 has opened its national and international borders. Currently no Covid test is required at the entrance and circulation is free and open to all. It is obvious that you must follow some simple rules and respect everyone’s health. All entrances to the island are recorded through the tracking system designed by the region. Fundamental tool to keep any possible case of contagion under control.

In the meantime, ports and airports have reopened to national and international tourism without restrictions for EU and Schengen countries

The guidelines for tourism

Bars and Restaurants: a distance of at least 2 meters between one table and another or dividing barriers is required. Reservations only. Abolition of the buffet and paper menus. Use of a mask to go to the toilets and checkout. Sanitizing products for customers. Cashless payments.

Serviced beaches: reservations only. User registration in order to trace any contacts following contagions. Cashless payments. Separate corridors to reach the services. 5 meters between umbrellas and 2 meters between a sunbed and another (inside the same position). Prohibited recreational activities within the establishments.

Free beaches: admissions will be allowed to a maximum number of people according to the size of the beach. Respect for the safety distance between people

Water sports and activities in the open sea: swimming and water activities are allowed.