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The governor of the U.S. state of New York announced yesterday, 15 June, that he had lifted all state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions after reporting that 70% of the state's adults have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Among many others, industry-specific measures which were immediately lifted included capacity limits of 50% for retailers, 33% for gyms and the lesser of 33% or 100 people for movie theatres.

Namibia has announced tight measures to limit the spread of coronavirus after a recent spike in infections and deaths. President Hage Geingob has announced a two-week lockdown of Windhoek from 16 June 2021. No movement will be allowed in and out of the capital for the duration, with certain exemptions including returning residents, essential service providers in possession of a relevant permit, emergency medical cases and the transportation of human remains to other regions for burial purposes. Further restrictions on gatherings, curfews and sale of alcohol has been put in place.

The country's government has announced that South Africa will move to COVID-19 alert level 'three' from 00.01 (local time) on 16 June; during this time a curfew will be in place between 22.00 and 04.00 (local time) daily, in addition to a requirement for face masks. Non-essential establishments such as restaurants, bars and fitness centers must also close by 21:00 in light of the curfew. All gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.; this includes religious services, political events, social gatherings; as well as restaurants, bars, taverns and similar places. There will also be strict controls on the sale of alcohol.

The country's government has said that it well re-open its borders to international passengers from 15 July; the island will be opening in stages during 2021 and the first phase, to last until September, will enable COVID-19 vaccinated passengers to enjoy a resort holiday. Holidaymakers will be able to enjoy facilities within their resort, including the swimming pool and beach. If guests stay over 14 days and obtain negative COVID-19 PCR test results during their stay in the resort, they will then be able to explore the other attractions. Passengers aged 18 years old or over must also arrive in the country with evidence of qualifying, negative COVID-19 test results obtained prior to travel.

The UK government has announced the next stage of the country's 'roadmap' to relax COVID-19 restrictions is to be delayed for four weeks until at least 19 July, both to allow further time for vaccinations and in light of the rapid spread of new variants of the virus internationally.

The country's government announced announced a blanket lockdown across the capital Santiago on 10 June, following some of the worst COVID-19 case numbers since the pandemic began. Further information will be published here as it's received.

The country's government has set out a timeline for its cautious first step toward easing COVID-19 border restrictions, announcing that it is prepared to relax quarantine protocols for fully vaccinated citizens returning home starting in early July. Canada’s air and land borders have allowed for only essential travel since March of last year, and people returning home are required to quarantine for 14 days. If they arrive by air, they also must stay in a designated hotel until they receive a negative COVID-19 test.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has eased travel recommendations for more than 110 countries and territories, including Japan; the new ratings include 61 nations that were lowered from its highest 'Level 4' rating that discouraged all travel, to recommending travel for fully COVID-19 vaccinated passengers. An additional 50 countries and territories have also been lowered to 'Level 2' or 'Level 1'.

The UK government released a statement late on 9 June stating in conjunction with the U.S. government, it is expecting to agree to work to open up travel between the two countries 'as soon as possible'. However, U.S. and UK airline officials say that they do not expect Washington to lift restrictions until around 4 July at the earliest.

The government of the U.S. territory has eased local COVID-19 restrictions for the first time since the start of the pandemic; among the easing of measures, bars have reopened at 50% capacity, along with game rooms. Outdoor bars have no capacity limits, but patrons must maintain a six-foot distance between people who are not in the same family unit. Restaurant capacity increased to 75%, as did capacity in pool facilities and places like museums, casinos and theatres. Social activities, including corporate or business events, can also take place at 75% capacity; attendees must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test or proof of full vaccination.

The quarantine-free travel arrangement between New Zealand and the Australian state of Victoria has been extended an additional seven days until at least 19.59 (local NZ time) on Thursday 17 June. The government is taking a precautionary approach in continuing the pause which will be reviewed again on 16 June.

The country's government started its summer tourism season on 7 June, as it re-opened its borders to COVID-19 vaccinated visitors from most countries, as well as European visitors who can prove that they are not currently infected. Visitors need proof they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before the trip, or that they overcame a COVID-19 infection in the past six months.

The government of France has authorised the island of St. Barts to re-open its borders to fully COVID-19 vaccinated U.S. passengers from 9 June, the same day that France eases border restrictions. Visitors to St. Barts must provide proof of full vaccination, plus proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained within three days of arrival, or an antigen test result obtained within 48 hours. Visitors under 18 do not need proof of vaccination, and those below the age of five are not subject to testing.

The government of the Caribbean island of St. Lucia has announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated arrivals; under the new guidelines, vaccinated travelers may book car rentals, dine at more restaurants and have increased access to iconic areas like Soufrière and Rodney Bay. They can now also stay at a range of COVID-certified accommodations, including hotels, vacation rentals and villas. Previously travelers were restricted to one of two approved properties.

The country's government has officially re-opened its borders to fully COVID-19 vaccinated American and British tourists from 4 June, according to a statement from Denmark's tourism authority. To be recognised a visitor must have received the final dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before arrival; this includes Moderna, Vaxzevria (also known as Astra Zeneca), Vaccine Janssen, Comirnaty, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer. Fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or isolate upon arrival.

The pause on quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and the Australian state of Victoria had been scheduled until 7.59 pm on 4 June. It has now been extended an additional 6 days until at least 11.59 pm NZT on Thursday 10 June.

The Dubai-based airline has announced that it will resume four weekly services to Thailand's resort island of Phuket from 2 July, to coincide with the re-opening of the popular destination to international tourists; in addition, those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 will enjoy even fewer restrictions, with no quarantine applicable on arrival. The Dubai-Phuket route will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration, offering premium services in first and business class as well as economy class.

The government of Australia has announced that as COVID-19 cases continue to grow, the current 'lockdown' restrictions in the city of Melbourne are now set to continue for a further seven days from 23.59 (local time) on 3 June. During this time the wearing of face masks is mandatory everywhere outside of the home unless a person has an exemption, and the five reasons for leaving home will remain: shopping for essentials, exercise, essential work, care and care giving, getting vaccinated. The restrictions will be eased in the regional Victoria region, however some restrictions still apply and travel to Melbourne will be restricted.

The country's government has confirmed the lifting of COVID-19 related restrictions for some passengers; fully-vaccinated passengers, or those who have tested positive for COVID-19 more than six weeks prior to their departure date, will no longer need to quarantine on arrival or provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.

The airport has announced the re-opening Terminal 3 as a dedicated facility for arrivals into the UK from 'red list' countries; monitored hotel quarantine for arrivals from the most at-risk for COVID-19 destinations has been required for nearly four months, however there had been concerns of passengers mixing in queues during immigration. There are 43 countries on the red list, but direct flights are permitted from only a few of them, including India. Only British and Irish nationals or UK residents are allowed to travel from countries on the list, but must pay for quarantine in a hotel for ten nights after their arrival in the UK.