Enhanced Travel Regulations Imposed in Germany for Secure Journeys During Fall
The German government, led by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, has unveiled a comprehensive seven-point health plan to tackle the anticipated autumn wave of Covid-19 cases. The strategy aims to keep schools and daycare centres open as much as possible, while adopting safety measures and optimising the use of available drugs and treatment.
The plan addresses three likely scenarios for the autumn wave. In the least severe scenario, no additional robust infection control measures would be required, and travel restrictions within Germany will remain lifted. However, some EU nations, such as Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, still enforce travel restrictions and require vaccination certificates, negative tests, or other Covid-related documents for foreign travellers.
In the moderate scenario, some safety concepts and contact reduction measures should be adopted. The focus of free rapid tests under the new Covid mitigation program will be on vulnerable sectors, people with Covid symptoms, high-risk individuals, and those who can't vaccinate for existing health reasons. The German government also expects daily reporting of Covid-related data from hospitals to the DEMIS system.
In the severe scenario, changes to Germany's entry requirements and potential travel restrictions for foreign tourists may be implemented. Noncompliance with daily reporting may result in sanctions. The current Infection Protection Act will expire in September, allowing for the extension and strengthening of Covid mitigation measures.
A key component of the plan is a vaccination campaign focused on increasing COVID-19 vaccinations for children. The government is also proposing a new vaccination campaign, prioritising the purchase of specific vaccines and addressing any vaccination gap in a targeted manner.
The health ministry is also considering optimising appropriate treatment concepts and enforcing more robust infection control measures to protect risk groups, specifically people working for and in nursing facilities and care services. The ministry aims to keep these sectors operational to minimise disruptions to essential services.
The seven-point plan by Minister Lauterbach also includes the continuation of the suspension of travel restrictions to Germany. Many European countries have eased travel restrictions, including Germany's open border which is beneficial for digital nomads seeking a freelance German visa.
However, some EU nations restrict entry to their borders for travelers from high-risk countries. The federal government of Germany has dropped all Covid entry requirements for foreign tourists since June 11, 2022.
In conclusion, Germany's seven-point health plan aims to balance the need for safety measures with the desire to maintain normalcy in everyday life. The plan is designed to adapt to the evolving situation and prioritise the health and wellbeing of its citizens and essential workers.
