Germany has announced that it will be lifting its travel warnings due to the coronavirus on June 15, 2020. Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced via videoconference with reporters that Germany is reducing its travel warning to travel advice or guidelines for select countries.
Heumarkt square with Cologne Cathedral and Great St. Martin Church - Cologne, North ... [+]
This will apply to 26 European Union countries, Britain, and countries in the Schengen area that are not in the EU. The worldwide travel warnings have been in place since March.
Countries Where The Warning Will Be Lifted
According to Reuters, the travel restrictions will be lifted for:
- Member States of the European Union
- Britain
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
Germany’s prerequisite for the warnings being lifted is that the occurrence of infection in the other country allows for travel. In other words, in order to travel to Germany, there shouldn’t be a travel ban or major lockdown in the approved country the person is departing from. Norway and Spain both still have entry bans. Therefore warnings are still in effect. Additionally, because Britain has a 14-day quarantine for arrivals, German officials are discouraging travel unless it is essential.
Beginning on June 15, 2020, instead of a travel warning, there will be travel advice for each country that will have information regarding the number of COVID-19 infections there are, what services and places are open to the public and what health measures are in place. From there, travelers can assess whether or not they should travel to that country.
The Minister explained they would be working with leaders and their counterpoints in the EU to help make ease the process of opening up countries again. Because the pandemic isn’t over, Maas said they might reintroduce travel warnings for countries where there are 50 or more infections per 100,000 for a week or more. Additionally, there will not be any repatriation flights to bring citizens back to Germany this summer.
While these restrictions are being reduced, people should still exercise caution when considering travel. Mass wrote on Twitter that there should be precautions to prevent a second wave.
What To Expect If You’re Planning On Traveling
There are several precautions to consider to stay safe. Regardless of where you are traveling, each country has its own precautions and guidelines to follow. Expect to see some sort of social distancing measures, places being sanitized frequently, handwashing or sanitizing stations and face-covering encouragement (or even requirements). There may also be limits to the number of people allowed into restaurants, stores, and other destinations.
Germany still has social distancing rules that are in effect until June 29, 2020. Groups gathering in public are limited to 10 people. Restaurants are open, but there are different restrictions in each state. For instance, restaurants in several states are asking for the contact information of patrons should there be an outbreak of COVID-19. Most establishments across the states also have rules about keeping 1.5 meters between guests.
In regards to accommodations, many hotels, hospitality facilities and camping grounds opened up in May. Additionally, many tourist attractions like amusement parks, tours and recreational facilities have opened. However, like restaurants, this does vary by state.
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