MANDATORY ENTRY TESTS IN GERMANY: What changes for returnees?

During the Christmas season, Germany introduced tests at airports, train stations and highways to prevent the importation of crown into the country. As of Tuesday, different rules apply, but for newcomers from Serbia and countries in the region, nothing will change for another two weeks.

While returnees from so-called high-risk countries, including Serbia, the rest of the Western Balkans, as well as more than 130 countries or regions in the world, must either take an entry test or spend 14 days in quarantine, returnees from countries that are not considered risky until now, could be evaluated voluntarily and free of charge.

As of today, September 15, returnees from countries that are not at risk will no longer be evaluated when they wish, but only if there is a suspicion of a corona due to symptoms.

In recent weeks, German laboratories have been working almost to the limit of their capacities: around 1.1 million tests are carried out per week. Critics have blamed the Health Ministry that such extensive tests cost a lot of work and money, and that targeted testing is better.

People coming to Germany from Serbia, regardless of their citizenship, are still subject to compulsory and free tests upon entering the country.

So far, it’s been like this: When you arrive, say, by plane, you line up in front of a mobile testing station where you take a swab. The passenger is instructed to install a special corona application where, usually within 48 hours, they will get a negative test result.

Only if it is positive, the Institute of Public Health calls you by phone.

While awaiting the test result, the returnee is obliged to remain in isolation in his accommodation.

Anyone who doesn’t get tested at the entrance, let’s say because he came by car and didn’t stop at one of the roadside test stations, can do it for free for the next 10 days at one of the labs or at his doctor bedside, and meanwhile should not go out. House.

Otherwise, you must spend a full 14 days in quarantine. This is so even when the passenger at the entrance does not receive any paper or notice. The penalties for non-compliance with quarantine are draconian in some provinces, recalls DW.

It has yet to be confirmed, DW announces, but chances are high that the evidence of returnees from risky countries on entry to the country will be removed in early October. They will then have to be in home self-isolation for a full 14 days, or at least five days, after which they will be tested on their own, and when a negative result comes in, they will be released from quarantine.

Only German citizens and foreigners living and working in Germany can still enter from risk countries. Also, people who come for business such as truck drivers or seasonal workers, those who have to go to court, have a treatment scheduled or go visit their spouse. Visits by tourists are prohibited.