Germany’s Federal Minster of Health, Jens, Spahn, made the decision to make testing for coronavirus mandatory for those coming from high risk areas into the country. This decision was made to take effect from Saturday 8th August.
Spahn said at a conference that those who do not have a negative test certificate of a coronavirus test done recently shall be forced into a two week quarantine.
He came at this decision due to the risk of a second wave of the coronavirus wracking through Germany influenced also by protests and people now re-joining society and interacting, new infections brought in by travellers from abroad and inhabitants returning from vacation.
Failure to take the test could result in a fine of up to €25,000 depending on the federal state at which the person lives. The decision on penalties lies with the local authorities.
The tests, which are free of charge to the traveller, will be carried out by the German Red Cross right behind the passport and customs areas at airports. There are also plans to set up testing booths at the borders on the highways and train and bus stations.
Should an immediate test not be possible, because the test booths are closed, travellers are obliged to go for a test within 14 days and remain in quarantine until they have done so.
The Health minister emphasised that those entering the country from high risk areas must already be quarantined or show a current negative test result. The test must be carried out within 72 hours after entry.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany’s centre for disease control, lists the countries that are classified as high-risk areas on its website. The list of high-risk areas currently comprises about 130 countries and regions and is updated continually.
Source: Jens Spahn