Current thoughts/opinions/knowledge

Like other things, everyone has an opinion...

Just based off earlier "lulls" in covid restrictions, there was no good example that I am aware of, where a venue altered it's admission policy...other than restricting entry at some point...to limit crowds. Instituting a timed entry and ticket scheme is no small effort, both to get started (Websites, plans, sales structure), and to maintain. Point being, a venue needs to have been working on that now, in order to have it ready for September, and the investment would mean that they intend to keep offering timed entry into the future...not just as a short term "fix".

About all you can do is monitor venue websites, they likely would announce something like this a couple months before implementation, or whatever scheme they come up with. I think those of most concern would be the large National museums in Berlin, I doubt smaller museums will bother, choosing simply to close entry for a time until visitors clear out.

Greetings from Germany. As you of course know, it is honestly impossible to say where we will be in 5 months. But I think it is certain that things will not be "normal" in any way and may be quite confusing. We also are currently at the edge of tipping into a third wave (or are in it already) fueled by the B.1.1.7 variant, and may see new lockdowns soon, beyond the ones currently in force.

If I had to predict, I would say that restrictions will be rather variable from city to city depending on 7-day incidence rate as well as on the rules of the specific federal state, as well as of the specific district. There have been some tests of "model reopening projects" that involve mandatory rapid testing in order to gain access to activities--Tübingen in my general region has such a project now; it is not clear whether they will become more widespread or not--there is a lot of debate on the subject here. There have also been a number of different types of contact-tracing projects, some of which require specific apps and so on.

During the times when indoor locations have been open in the last year in my region, each site has handled tickets and admissions differently, and I see no reason to expect that to change. Some sites have shifted to timed tickets; most require pre-booking online or by phone, and all or almost all have reduced numbers (some outdoor venues maybe do not have reductions, but even the botanical garden in my town is required to collect contact tracing information). No offense to the above poster, but what he says does not match up with what I have seen here--there have been all sorts of different efforts to make public accommodations and cultural spaces open in Corona-compliant ways.

The problem, of course, is that all of this becomes very confusing indeed. I am from here, and I find it difficult to keep up with the rules and procedures in my own town. I can't imagine it as a tourist. If it does happen to be possible to make the trip (and, to be quite honest, I'm genuinely not sure when they will start allowing leisure travel from outside of the EU), then I would say that you will have to be diligent about checking websites of attractions you are interested in, and be prepared for things to change at short notice (for instance, if the incidence rate of the town crosses one of the threshold points, which triggers emergency break restrictions). Sorry to not have more optimistic views.

France and Italy are in lockdown I don’t see how Germany is going to open its doors in September but if they do I’ll be in Berlin!!!!

They have 5 months to vaccinate enough of their citizens which isn’t enough time. The UK plans it doing it by September and they are ages ahead of The EU.

they likely would announce something like this a couple months before implementation

Hahahahahahahahahahaha

Ok so obviously I don’t know about Germany, but here, the authorities usually make some vague announcement about the new measures, and then you are left to wait 3 to 4 days to a week before they actually publish the legal details so that the venue can get some idea of what they are actually allowed to do. Then a few more days to build out their reservations systems in accordance with the new decree(s).

Here in the NL, I would echo all of Azra's comments. We're having almost the same experiences. The restrictions, enforcement, and compliance differ from day-to-day and region-to-region. It is very confusing. And given our current numbers - almost the same as the first week of January 2021 - any return to normalcy seems... well, distant.

As we are in our second lockdown - as of today, 121 days and counting - gyms, theaters, retail, sports venues, etc. have been closed. Only grocery stores, pharmacies, and essential functions - like opticians and yes, coffeeshops - have been open. In addition, we still have a 10.00 PM curfew (they moved it from 9 PM but what's it matter as no bars, cafes, or restaurants are open).

Just recently we were given the opportunity to SCHEDULE a retail experience. So yes, stores have moved quickly to institute timed entries with appointments. Every participating store usually has a number to text or a QR Code posted in their window. It's actually been pretty effective and implemented quickly. After 100+ days of no shopping, my wife had three 15-minute appointments to shop last week. Not a spontaneous experience, but for her, somewhat fulfilling.

Here, we're more focused on just being able to enjoy "normal" functions - like dining at a restaurant, drinking coffee out of a china cup sitting at a table in the sunshine, or browsing rather than "mission" shopping. For the last few months, the PM has strongly discouraged travel. As a result, the AMS airport is frankly, shut down (unless you're a passenger with a boarding pass you cannot even enter the terminals area - not even the Arrivals Area).

We're thus limited to travel in the NL. But that's far better than my friends in Italy who are limited to travel in their home province... and friends in Paris who are more restricted and can only travel a few kilometers from their house and must carry proof of their residence address when they go outside. Unfortunately, this is the current reality in Europe. For most of us... it's been that way since at least early December (if not longer). And despite the lockdowns, the curfews, the restrictions, and other steps, the infection numbers are just not dropping.

What does September hold? No one knows but given the current situation, I would expect that social distancing will still be in place, as will mask-wearing in many interior locations. They will definitely be limited capacity, and for some entities, registration and pre-timed entries. (Currently, we stand in line - with designated sidewalk 1.5-meter markers - just to get into the grocery store). So yes, if you are able to come... then you'll certainly have to allot more time, prioritize what you want to see, and plan ahead.

As Azra mentions, it almost impossible to keep up with all the rules, regulations, restrictions, and daily/weekly changes to each of these - even when you live there! Your best asset may be the barge company. They have a vested interest in your experience so I'd definitely stay connected with them. Municipality websites are great - thank goodness for my Chrome Google Translator function! On the extended segment of your trip, certainly keep talking with the hotels or tour operators you're using.

The first step we want... would be to end the curfew and the lockdowns. We're hoping that will be by the end of April. No doubt vaccinations would help, but NL has dropped the ball and we have NO IDEA of when we might get vaccinated. The government has a website where you can "determine" your estimated vaccination date. It asks your age, some health questions, whether you're a caregiver, etc., and then "computes" your estimated date. I did mine last week and it came back 0.78 years. That's late December folks. They have to improve the vaccination program or no one is coming... Let's hope it gets better, but like Azra, this is our current day-to-day reality.

Hahahahahahahahahahaha

Yes Kim, my reaction also to the NL implementation practices. Like France, it's been a challenge to determine what the "rule" is sometimes. The NL just had elections and the party that has mismanaged the rules/restrictions, the vaccinations, and this entire process... GOT RE-ELECTED. So Rutte will be here a few more years... go figure!

Most of our friends in the USA are vaccinated and despite the fact that the J&J vaccine was prominently developed in Leiden (at Janssen Vaccines) less than 15 km away, we're not able to get it. Here, you will be notified by the government when you are eligible to be vaccinated (through the mail or your personal doctor). Our personal doctor is apparently not allowed to administer the vaccine, so when our number comes up we have to go to the municipal stadium to get our shots. The NL Vaccination website says - quite plainly - DO NOT CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT, you will be notified. And further, we will not answer any questions about scheduling unless you have an approval letter. So we're basically... in the dark. My wife, as a teacher of high school students, is not regarded as an essential worker in The Netherlands. So far, six teachers in her school have become infected since November 2020.

Yes, it's been an uphill battle to understand why the NL, which has an incredible health care system (I've had great experiences), has stumbled so badly with the pandemic. Recent government reports stated that all persons would have the first dose no later than July. Not holding my breath... Let's hope things improve soon.

Not making any political statement with this, but to put a slightly more positive spin on what is the only answer to your questions ("who knows?") one can look at US/UK figures from 5 months ago compared to now. It is true that it was hellish in between then and now, but sometimes trends do improve. Here in California, things are opening back up (theaters, museums, indoor-dining, concerts), although there is debate as to whether it's too much too soon.

And why is CA so slow to open up.? CA has the second LOWEST current (1 week average on a population basis) COVID infection rate in the US. Only one state has a lower rate and that is Arkansas. My reference is Brown School of Public Health (Harvard) at https://globalepidemics.org/key-metrics-for-covid-suppression/.

California is slow to open up because that is appropriate. They learned a lesson from the last surge, when hospitals, particularly in LA county and nearby, were at or near capacity.

Bob, my guess is that they are making decisions to keep us in that low category. I want life to get back to normal ASAP, but it needs to be done safely. We are fully vaccinated and I’m not rushing out to a movie theater, eating indoors, etc. for quite awhile. We are fortunate in CA to have nice weather that allows us to be outdoors for more of the year. The biggest benefit to being fully vaccinated for me is that I can see friends and family that are vaccinated. People being impatient or not believing the science is why we have wave after wave of infections.

Apologies for the paywall.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/03/health/coronavirus-variants-vaccines.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20210404&instance_id=28845&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=55975417&segment_id=54856&user_id=057c49fcaa2a2a53ce73b590e07ee981

This explains why it is too early to open up.

I appreciate all the responses. I think I just dying for someone to make a definite answer which I know is not possible, living with indecision is difficult. But, your responses have helped me to realize that the after trip is not advisable, just too many variables. Here in the Northeast US vaccinations are going as well as can be expected but the new variants are quickly becoming the common strain. We must put travel in it's proper place and wait for more recovery. Wishing you all well and thanks again.

According to this Reuters article, the German Minister of Health expects to have vaccinated 20% of the population by the beginning of May, based on "the expected deliveries" of vaccine. Although the article isn't specific, I think this means 20% will have had their first vaccination, not be fully vaccinated.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/germany-sees-20-of-population-vaccinated-against-coronavirus-by-may/ar-BB1fjv3o?ocid=msedgntp