Germany has entered another round of Covid-19 restrictions and has already taken the first step towards strengthening national bans in connection with the looming new wave of the coronavirus: masks will become mandatory for everyone from October, including air travelers arriving in the European country. Along with this, mandatory PCR testing for covid may return. A corresponding proposal for the further development of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), which was developed by the country’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice, was reflected in a press release published last week.
“Autumn and winter are associated with a seasonal spike in COVID-19 cases, as well as an increased burden on the health care system and other critical infrastructure. Therefore, the rules need to be changed. The proposal provides for a legal framework adapted to the situation from October 1, 2022, to April 7, 2023,” the message read. In other words, if Germany accepts this proposal, masks will become mandatory in air and intercity public transport – both of which are actively used by travelers. It was clarified that only tourists who have recently been vaccinated and have recently fallen ill with covid will be exempted from the obligation to undergo testing.
According to German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, the country should be better prepared for the coronavirus this winter. Changes made to the Law on protection against infections will make this possible because they include a vaccination campaign with newly approved drugs, a test-and-treat concept, and preventive measures to combat infection.
“With this model at the IfSG stage, we are providing the federal and state governments with legally secure tools to prevent the pandemic. This includes the nationwide use of masks and targeted testing for people at particular risk. From October 1, countries can resort to requirements to wear masks indoors. If the situation requires it, masks will also become mandatory at outdoor events, and upper occupancy limits will be set in public places,” the minister explained.
According to the ministry, a decision on the proposal should be made by the federal cabinet in August. The federal states will then have to decide whether they want to introduce stricter restrictions, such as the mandatory wearing of protective masks on local public transport and in public places – cafes, restaurants, hotels, etc. Along with masks, there will be a return to the obligation to observe a social distance of 1.5 meters in public places and a strict restriction of the flow of people at indoor events. In addition, there is a possibility of returning the mandatory testing procedure for coronavirus.