BRUSSELS, 30 June, 2021 (TON): On Tuesday, the European Commission issued guidelines for safe reopening of the cultural and creative sectors across the EU.

Margaritis Schinas, vice president of the European Commission and in-charge of promoting way of life said at a press conference, the reopening of the cultural and creative sectors for the festive summer season should happen gradually.

EU member states will have to consider their own COVID-19 vaccination coverage and epidemiological situation as they reopen their cultural establishments and events, according to Schinas.

According to the guidelines, Encouraging results from trial events held in five European countries throughout the spring show that "live events do not accelerate infection" if measures such as testing at the entrance and wearing masks are observed.

At cultural establishments, member states should put in place a series of measures, such as install proper ventilation; ensure that all staff are vaccinated; enforce the wearing of masks and hand hygiene; maintain social distancing; operate contact tracing; and have a preparedness plan.

To help the cultural and creative sectors recover, the EU will "activate a whole range of actions and tools," according to Schinas.

However, the budget has been increased by 4.5 billion euros (5.35 billion U.S. dollars) in total for the 2021-2027 period to help finance the sector's recovery, said Mariya Gabriel, European commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth.