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Wangerooge (dpa / lni) - The district of Friesland has drawn a positive interim assessment of the mandatory test for travelers who want to go to the East Frisian island of Wangerooge. Since Good Friday, positive test results have been registered in four people in the rapid test centers at the ferry terminal or at Harlesiel airport. "This is good news, because that means the far larger number that came to the island was negative in the rapid test," said Friesland's District Administrator Sven Ambrosy (SPD). There were minor initial difficulties with the processes, and the process is now running smoothly. On average, 30 to 40 people would be tested every day at the specially set up rapid test centers.

Wangerooge is the first East Frisian island for which a test obligation has been introduced by general decree.

In other ferry locations, for example at the port of Norddeich (Aurich district), where ferries operate to the islands of Juist and Norderney, there are also test centers.

However, proof is not yet mandatory there.

According to the general decree of the district, Wangerooge may only be entered if proof of a negative corona test from a test center that is not older than 24 hours is presented.

The obligation to provide proof applies to all people who want to set foot on the island, e.g. second home owners, business travelers or day-trippers.

There are exceptions for islanders who leave Wangerooge for a maximum of 24 hours and for children up to six years of age.

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Ambrosy said that the regulation was agreed with Wangerooge before Easter with a view to the hundreds of second home owners to be expected. The tests could reduce the risk of infection for both islanders and second home owners. «Most people think that's really good. We have feedback from guests, but also from locals, who say: "That gives us a bit more security," said Ambrosy. He actually expected more complaints.

Even if no tourists have yet been tested for Wangerooge, the experience gained from the test infrastructure that has been set up could serve as a model for an opening concept for the East Frisian Islands as a whole.

This was presented to the state government by the island communities last week.

It is intended to open up tourist accommodation, restaurants and leisure facilities, combined with a strict test concept.

The plan is for what is already being partially implemented for Wangerooge: Guests should present a negative rapid antigen test or PCR test when they arrive from the mainland.

For longer stays, further tests should be carried out on the islands.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210419-99-258270 / 2

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Information on the general disposal on Wangerooge

Opening concept of the East Frisian Islands