Germany: Authorities to mandate closures for non-essential businesses and schools from Dec. 16 - Jan. 10. /update 25

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), health officials in Germany will tighten certain domestic restrictions from Dec. 16 - Jan. 10. 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 Dec. 16, all schools, and daycares, as well as non-essential shops nationwide, will be closed. Authorities have indicated that all businesses affected by the closures will receive financial aid of up to 500,00 EUR (605,000 USD). The measures will remain in effect until at least Jan. 10.

As of Dec. 13, the following restrictions remain in place:

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.
Public gatherings are limited to five people from two different households.
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.

The power to ease or reimpose domestic COVID-19 measures largely rests with German states. Accordingly, regional restrictions can vary. Some areas have seen localized stay-at-home orders in response to spikes in case numbers.

Authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions as of Dec. 13. Travelers arriving in the country who have visited risk areas within the previous 10 days must self-isolate for 10 days upon entry. However, federal law allows individual states to determine the duration of isolation; some states may allow travelers to leave quarantine after five days if they can produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19. As of Dec. 13, Germany's federal disease control and prevention agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), has designated numerous locations including 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.