29 Jul 2020 | 08:34 AM UTC
Germany: Authorities advise against travel to parts of Spain July 28 /update 35
German authorities advise against travel to the regions of Aragon, Navarra, and Catalonia on July 28; follow government directives
Event
German authorities advised against travel to Aragon, Navarra, and Catalonia on Tuesday, July 28, following a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the three regions. Given the new government advice, travelers who have visited these locations must undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test upon their arrival in Germany.
German authorities previously announced on June 17 that the ban on large events will be extended until at least October 31, while the travel warning to non-European countries for German citizens will remain in place until August 31.
As of Wednesday, July 29, there have been 207,707 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, and 9131 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.
Context
The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.
Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.
Advice
Measures adopted by
local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately.
Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are
likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers
are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival
to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due
to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine
upon their arrival or during their stay.
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:
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Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water. |
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When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. |
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If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease. |
