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Mainz (dpa / lrs) - Rhineland-Palatinate wants to keep the borders with neighboring countries open with tests and local measures in the fight against corona outbreaks.
"In view of the different incidence and case numbers, our goal is to contain the spread of the virus as locally as possible with hotspot strategies," said the representative for Europe, State Secretary Heike Raab (SPD), after a conference of the European ministers of the countries on Wednesday.
"In this way we can keep the borders open and maintain mobility for commuters, business travel and family relationships."
In dialogue with its neighbors, Rhineland-Palatinate is relying on a common approach to comprehensive testing, systematic test procedures, tracking and determining the virus variants, explained Raab.
Border controls related to infection control would have a significant impact on everyday coexistence in the Greater Region or on the Upper Rhine.
The coronavirus pandemic revealed the EU's dependence on complex, international supply chains, for example for medical devices, said the State Secretary.
"Europe must become more independent in sensitive areas."
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210224-99-578595 / 2