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FDP parliamentary group deputy Alexander Graf Lambsdorff has criticized the national entry restrictions to protect against particularly contagious coronavirus variants.

"The spread of the new Corona mutants must be slowed down, but blanket entry bans are not the right way," said Lambsdorff of the "Rheinische Post".

Mutation areas would have to be identified and clearly named.

"Then the entry from there must be reduced so that all entrants can still be tested at the airport," said Lambsdorff.

In the opinion of the FDP politician, tests before departure would be even more useful.

"The federal government has to be blamed for the fact that none of this has yet been ensured despite numerous announcements."

Reliable tests, more sequencing and further ramping up of vaccination capacities are the key "to slow down the mutants and are absolutely necessary for a return to normality," said Lambsdorff.

"It is very important that we discuss these measures with our neighbors in the EU, because if Germany were to go it alone again, it would be counterproductive."

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Out of concern about the dangers of mutated coronavirus variants, extensive entry bans to Germany from countries in which these variants are widespread have been in effect since Saturday.

After a cabinet decision on Friday, there is a general ban on airlines, rail, bus and shipping companies traveling from these countries until February 17.

Initially, travelers from Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Brazil and South Africa are affected.

There are exceptions for people who live in Germany.

The ban is also not intended to apply to transit passengers at airports or freight traffic.