Updated Travel Regulations for Secure Autumn Journeys in Germany
The German Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, has unveiled a seven-point health plan to address potential autumn waves of Covid-19 cases. The plan, designed to curb a possible spike of cases at the start of the cold season, continues the suspension of travel restrictions to Germany, making it easier for tourists to find cheap flights and travel with travelocity. The plan emphasizes the importance of proactive reporting of Covid-related data from hospitals to the German Electronic Reporting and Information System for Infection Prevention (DEMIS), aiding pandemic management. Changes to Germany's entry requirements are expected, with some form of travel restrictions for foreign tourists potentially being implemented. Schools and daycare centers will remain open as much as possible throughout the autumn and winter, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining normalcy. Organizations are encouraged to appoint a hygiene officer, similar to hospitals, and a specialized care coordinator for early treatment with medication. In the event of a severe Covid outbreak, the German federal government plans to protect the health situation and manage potential healthcare system peak loads by maintaining mask mandates, especially FFP2 masks in hospitals and care facilities. Mask use will be encouraged in risk areas like public transport. Normal infection control measures will be relied upon rather than declaring an emergency. Vulnerable groups are encouraged to take precautions, and facilities will be allowed to decide on ongoing protective measures based on local infection situations. A new vaccination campaign is being proposed, prioritizing the purchase of specific vaccines and addressing any vaccination gaps in a targeted manner. In the moderate scenario, sick leaves and widespread contagion are expected. Some safety concepts and contact reduction measures should be adopted. The government will implement a new testing strategy, focusing on free rapid tests for people in vulnerable sectors, those with Covid symptoms, high-risk individuals, people who can't vaccinate for existing health reasons, refugees fleeing war from Ukraine, and those coming from Covid hotspots. Noncompliance with daily reporting from health care facilities will result in sanctions. The current Infection Protection Act will expire in September, allowing the government to extend and strengthen current Covid mitigation measures. Travel to Germany remains open to all foreign tourists, with no Covid entry requirements. Many other European countries have eased their travel restrictions, with Germany, Estonia, Italy, Cyprus, Austria, Greece, Belgium, Albania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom among those that have opened their borders. The government will also focus on optimizing the use of available drugs and effective treatment. A new vaccination campaign will focus on a fourth shot or second booster shot for Germans over 60, with an estimated 80 percent of this age group yet to get their fourth Covid shot. Germany dropped all of its Covid entry rules beginning June 11, 2022, lifting all 19 travel restrictions imposed. However, some EU nations still enforce EU travel restrictions, such as vaccination certificates, negative tests, and other Covid-related documents before foreign travelers are allowed entry. The goal is to keep nursing homes open for outside visitors. The plan aims to strike a balance between managing the potential Covid-19 threat and maintaining normal life as much as possible.
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