Cabinet approves regulation: compulsory testing for travelers is tightened

Cabinet approves regulation
Testing requirements for travelers will be tightened

In the future, new regulations will apply to returnees from a risk area. In addition to the already mandatory quarantine, a negative corona test must also be submitted. In certain cases, airlines can request a test result prior to departure.

For entries to Germany from countries with high numbers of corona infections, stricter test obligations are to come. Anyone who has been in a risk area in the last ten days should in future have to present a negative test no later than 48 hours after entry. This is provided for in a draft ordinance by Health Minister Jens Spahn, which the Federal Cabinet has now decided.

In areas with particularly high numbers of infections or if new, more contagious virus variants are circulating there, the test result must be available before entry and it must also be possible to present it to the airline. In general, people entering from risk areas are obliged to go into quarantine after returning. Spahn said: "Trips abroad to risk areas do not fit the pandemic situation. Those who still do not want to do without it must be tested when they return in the future."

Information via SMS

Virus mutations are an additional health risk, so the spread in Germany must be prevented as much as possible. The regulation is due to come into force on Thursday, but the federal states must implement their own regulations. Individual countries are already demanding a corona test.

It also stipulates that from March 1st, people arriving in Germany should receive information about the entry and infection protection measures applicable in Germany by SMS. The version that has now been adopted does not contain a possible improvement in the position of those with vaccination protection, as reportedly planned in the meantime.

Which countries are considered risk areas for German vacationers can be seen on an online list from the Robert Koch Institute. Countries should be able to count as areas with particularly high numbers of infections if there are more than 200 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days.

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