Coronavirus: compulsory tests in Germany for travelers returning from "at risk" countries

Travelers rush past the entrance to the first test center which is opened in cooperation with airlines Lufthansa and Fraport at Frankfurt Airport, June 29, 2020. REUTERS / Kai Pfaffenbach

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

Since this Saturday, August 8, Germany has been imposing Covid-19 tests on all travelers returning from “at risk” countries. The measure aims to identify new cases of infection as early as possible as the numbers increase significantly in the country.

Publicity

Read more

With our correspondent in Berlin, Delphine Nerbollier

It is now an obligation. All travelers returning from a country said to be "at risk" must show proof that they are not carriers of the coronavirus . For this, they have two possibilities: either to be tested a maximum of two days before returning to Germany, or, and this is the novelty, to do so on their arrival in the territory. For this, screening centers at airports, train stations or in specialized medical centers have been deployed.

Currently, 130 countries are on the famous list of so-called “at risk” countries. Russia, the United States and even part of Turkey are included. Just like some Spanish regions and for a few days now, the Belgian region of Antwerp .

Beginning of controversy

The free testing has given rise to a controversy. Some German political parties believe that travelers to countries at risk should get their hands on the wallet. A criticism to which the Minister of Health replied that it was a question of solidarity.

As the number of new daily infections once again exceeds the thousand mark, these mandatory tests aim to identify new cases of coronavirus as soon as possible. 

At the same time, the health and political authorities deplore a relaxation of certain Germans in the respect of barrier gestures. On Friday August 7, two schools in northern Germany had to close their doors after the appearance of cases of Covid-19, just a few days after the start of the school year.

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • Germany
  • Coronavirus

On the same subject

Covid: back to school in northern Germany, after a five-month closure

Germany announces historic decline in second quarter GDP

Coronavirus: free tests at airports for holidaymakers returning to Germany