The lives of people across Europe and the world have changed, some more drastically than others since the COVID-19 outbreak began in December last year.

Aspects of normal routines, such as visiting friends and family, eating out, or simply buying a coffee, are not what they used to be.

With the resurgence of coronavirus cases across Europe, countries are beginning to reimplement some restrictions that were introduced earlier in March in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.

From banning different households from mixing to limiting social contact in hospitality venues, the regulations differ from country to country and even from city to city.

So what's it like to buy a coffee in Frankfurt, Budapest and Paris, and how much has changed? Three of CGTN Europe's correspondents went to find out. 

 

CLICK: ACROSS EUROPE EMPLOYERS ARE BEING ASKED TO SUPPORT THOSE WORKING FROM HOME

 

Bunca Café in Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt has reported a rise in coronavirus cases and is now considered a high-risk area, meaning that private gatherings are limited and there is a curfew in place for certain businesses.

Masks must be worn in public indoor settings, including coffee shops, but they can be removed once the customer has sat down to enjoy their coffee.

Customers also need to fill out a contact form, which in Bunca Cafe is accessed via a QR code on the table, entering contact details including a phone number and address, so they can be contacted if anyone who was in the same cafe tested positive for COVID-19.

Owner and founder of Bunca, Samson Habtom, told CGTN Europe's Mia Alberti that "the rules are pretty clear" to enforce and follow, but that he had to be creative in order to react quickly to any changes in the rules.

The demand is still there, as Habtom explained, "we were lucky that the people would still be really happy to come in and to have their coffee."

And while he doesn't think the rules are effective, Habtom added, "if people are feeling more comfortable and it's necessary to make it a better place, then we have to deal with it."

 

 

Back in Black in Paris, France

In Paris, where cases are steadily rising, rules have been put in place, making it compulsory to wear a face mask in public indoor and outdoor spaces.

Before entering the Back in Black cafe near place de la Bastille, customers must scan the QR codes to view the paperless menu. Once inside, masks can only be removed when the customer is seated at their table where a bottle of hand sanitizer is available. There are also contact forms that the customer must fill out so they can be reached if somebody who's been in the cafe over the last 14 days tests positive for COVID-19.

Back in Black manager, Sarah Duman spoke to Paris correspondent Ross Cullen and said that while the restrictions were clear, "it's not easy to understand for the customer why they need to keep the mask on and other things, it's not easy for everyone."

Duman added that it was quite challenging to ensure people were following the regulations. "It's difficult because normally people come here just for pleasure, to enjoy the coffee. Now they need to keep this mask on and when they speak with their friends, it's not the same," she said.

But Duman also said the restrictions are necessary. "For us, I think so. It's a good restriction, it's helping us to stay open and our customers understand the paper (contact form) and why we are doing it, so I'm confident about that."

 

 

By Beans Coffee in Budapest, Hungary

Restrictions in Budapest are less strict than in other places in Europe. Masks are not required to be worn inside coffee shops by customers, and there is no contact tracing system in place, so customers aren't required to provide their details.

Staff members at By Beans Coffee wear face masks and ensure that social distancing is observed by those inside the coffee shop. Hand sanitizers are also placed on tables and at the checkout point and are optional for customers to use.

Ádám Benkovich outlined the new rules they've implemented to our reporter Isobel Ewing. "So, the mask is ok, it's fine, we really like the mask. We have to use the (hand sanitizer) dispenser. We wash our hands much more often. We use cleaning products on the table every hour and we clean our toilets often," Benkovich said.

But according to Benkovich, not much has changed when it comes to people's behavior, except that the sale of takeaway coffee is increasing as many choose to get their coffees to go rather than sitting inside the shop.

 

Video Editor: Riaz Jugon