Germany: Authorities extend nationwide coronavirus disease-related restrictions to Feb. 14 /update 28

Event

Germany has tightened and extended measures imposed nationwide to slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until Feb. 14. Although infection rates have slowed in recent days, federal and state authorities opted to extend most measures and tighten others due to concerns that more infectious variants of COVID-19 may enter the country. Authorities now 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.

Additionally, the following measures have been extended until Feb. 14:

Residents of COVID-19 hotspots may not travel more than 15 km (9.3 miles) from their residential district without a valid reason for travel.
Private gatherings are limited to two people unless they are members of the same household.
All nonessential shops and educational facilities are 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.
When possible, people from different households should remain a minimum of 1.5 meters (5 feet) apart.

Germany continues to maintain international entry restrictions. Commercial travel from the UK and South Africa is currently banned; German residents can apply for an exception via their transport provider.

Additionally, Germany has designated numerous locations, including the UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, the provinces of Rogaland and Trondelag in Norway, and Madeira, Portugal, as risk areas. All travelers arriving in the country who have visited designated risk areas within the previous 10 days must 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. These travelers must also self-isolate for 10-days; the self-isolation can be ended on day five with a second negative test.

Most travelers from outside of the EEA, with the exception of those from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and Thailand, 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.