Germany: Authorities to impose COVID-19 border restrictions for travelers from Moselle Department in France from March 2 /update 33

Event

Authorities in Germany have announced that from March 2 temporary border restrictions will come into effect with Moselle Department in France due to the spread of a variant of COVID-19 in the area. All such arrivals must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours. Public transport between Germany and Moselle will be suspended and German border officials will carry out random checks on vehicles entering the country. Similar border restrictions remain in effect with the Czech Republic and Tyrol, Austria. Only German nationals and residents and certain essential workers are permitted to cross the border; all permitted arrivals must present proof of a negative PCR test taken within the previous 48 hours on arrival.

A ban on travel from Brazil, the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Lesotho, and several southern African countries remains in place until at least March 3 due to the presence of new COVID-19 variants; the measure had been due to expire Feb. 17. German citizens and residents, as well as freight transporters and diplomats, are exempt.

Authorities are maintaining other international entry restrictions as of March 1. Most travel from outside of the EEA, with the exception of Australia New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand is prohibited. Exceptions are in place for EU nationals or residents and their family members, individuals carrying out essential work, or individuals traveling for urgent reasons. Permitted individuals arriving from a "risk area" must self-isolate for at least 10 days on arrival; this can be ended early following a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken on or after the fifth day of self-isolation. Permitted individuals who have spent any time in a "particularly high risk area" in the previous 10 days must meet the same self-isolation requirements in addition to presenting proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 48 hours prior to travel.

As of March 1, risk areas include Belgium; Denmark (except the Faroe Islands and Midtjylland region); Uusimaa, Varsinais-Suomi, Central Finland, Osterbotten, and Satakunta in Finland; France; Central Macedonia, Attica, Central Greece, Western Greece, and Peloponnese in Greece; Croatia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Netherlands; Austria; Poland; Romania; Sweden; Switzerland; mainland Spain; Ukraine; and Hungary, among others. Particularly high-risk areas include Brazil; Moselle in France; Ireland; Tyrol in Austria; Portugal; Slovakia; South Africa; Czech Republic; the UK; Albania; Andorra; Estonia; Israel; Latvia; Serbia; Slovenia; and the US, among others. A full list of risk and particularly high risk areas is available from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).

Domestic Measures

Authorities have extended the nation's existing COVID-19-related restrictions until March 7. Although infection rates have slowed in recent days, federal and state authorities opted to extend most measures due to concerns over the spread of more infectious variants of the virus. The extension applies to the following directives:

Private gatherings are limited to two people unless they are members of the same household.
All nonessential shops and services are closed; hairdressers are allowed to reopen from March 1.
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.
Social distancing guidelines of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) are in effect.
Authorities require individuals to wear filter facemasks with a filtering facepiece protection class of at least 2 (FFP2) on public transport and in stores and public offices.
Residents of COVID-19 hotspots may not travel more than 15 km (9.3 miles) from their district of residence without a valid reason for travel

Authorities could 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 arrangements. Consider delaying traveling 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.