After remaining closed for more than three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eiffel Tower has opened its doors to visitors once again. The coronavirus closure is considered to be the longest closure the landmark has witnessed since World War II. The reopening of the country’s iconic monument comes as France has gradually started to recover from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
In the wake of the virus outbreak, France became one of the worst-hit European countries and observed more than 100 days of restrictions to curb the spread of the deadly virus. It was in the first week of June that the French government announced that the coronavirus situation was finally under control and reported a decreasing graph of new COVID-19 cases.
Following the announcement, people started reclaiming public spaces and the decision to reopen the Eiffel Tower came along. However, the monument is opening with certain restrictions. The highest point of the tower will continue to remain closed and visitors will have to use the stairs. They will have to ascend using the Eiffel Tower’s east pillar and descend on the west pillar in order to avoid crossing paths with each other on the stairs.
The tower has also placed physical distancing markers to ensure that all visitors observe social distancing in the venue. It is also mandatory for all visitors aged 11 and above to use face masks during their visit. The elevators that take visitors up the 324-metre tall tower is closed at the moment but is expected to resume operations starting July 1.
At present, all tickets for visiting the tour are available online and are being sold in 30-minute increments. According to reports, some visitor spots were still open through the afternoon on the day of reopening but the evening tickets were all purchased by visitors who are eager to pay a visit to the City of Light’s most important landmark. The morning of reopening saw Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo hailing the return of visitors while a band of drummers performed in the plaza at the tower’s base.
