Germany: Authorities to tighten coronavirus disease-related domestic restrictions from Jan. 6 and amend certain entry restrictions starting Jan. 10 /update 26

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), health officials in Germany will tighten certain domestic entry restrictions from Jan. 6 and extend the remaining domestic restrictions until at least Jan. 31. German officials are implementing the measures as infection rates are yet to significantly decline, which has put a strain on the country's health system. Beginning Jan. 6 the movement of residents in areas deemed COVID-19 hotspots will be limited to 15 km (9.3 miles) from their town, unless they have a valid reason for traveling further. In addition private gatherings will be limited to two people, unless for members of the same household. Authorities had previously indicated that all businesses affected by the closures will receive financial aid of up to EUR 500,000 (USD 605,000). As of Jan. 5, the following restrictions remain in place:

All schools, and daycares, as well as nonessential shops nationwide, will be closed
Restaurants and bars remain closed except for delivery and carryout services.
Public recreation centers and entertainment facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, saunas, cinemas, and theaters, are closed.
Large events are suspended.
Employees are advised to work from home whenever possible.
Tourism-related hotel stays are suspended.
Nonessential travel is discouraged.

Protective face coverings are required in most public spaces nationwide, including on public transport and in retail shops. When possible, people from different households should remain a minimum of 1.5 m (5 feet) apart.

Authorities will amending certain international entry restrictions from Jan. 10. From this date travelers arriving in the country who have visited risk areas within the previous 10 days will have provide a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours upon arrival, or take a test as soon as they arrive in the country. In addition, these travelers will need to self-isolate for 10-days; the self-isolation can be ended on day five with a second negative test. As of Jan. 5, Germany's federal disease control and prevention agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), has designated numerous locations, including the UK, Spain, and Portugal as risk areas.

Most travelers from outside of the EEA, with the exception of those from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, and Uruguay, remain prohibited from entry. Limited exceptions are made for EEA citizens and residents, diplomats, essential workers, students, freight and transport workers, individuals in transit, and for urgent reasons decided on a case-by-case basis. All such arrivals are subject to a mandatory self-isolation period as detailed above; this measure does not apply to transport and freight workers.

Authorities could further ease, tighten, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice based on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel plans and business appointments and allow additional time for processing if arriving from an area of high COVID-19 activity. Carry proper identification and other necessary travel documents to present at security checks. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.