New Covid Testing Ordinance in Germany

The recent rise in the number of infections serves as a warning. We must remain active in our fight against the coronavirus. This is why we have passed the new Testing Ordinance. Naturally, it does not solely apply to holidaymakers; it also applies to business travellers. 

As of this Saturday, anyone entering Germany from a risk area must get tested against coronavirus or produce proof thereof. Whether the person enters by car, train or plane is of no relevance. This Ordinance complements the existing regulations. The obligation to quarantine upon returning from risk areas has already been effective for some time and is now supplemented by a testing obligation. 

These measures are intended to prevent the virus from accompanying travellers undetected. At the same time, these testing possibilities also add personal safety. Anyone returning to their family from abroad can now do so with the safe knowledge afforded by a test.

Undoubtedly some people may view this testing obligation as a chore. The desire for a return to normality without restrictions in our everyday life is only human and understandable. But this will not faze the virus – it will spread wherever it can. 

We should not forget that when comparing internationally, we have so far coped relatively well with this pandemic, precisely because so many of us have been doing our part. Wearing a mask, keeping a distance and following the hygiene rules are a small price to pay if you look at the impact this virus is having elsewhere in the world.  

What matters is we all continue to do our part in our day-to-day lives. We have done so over these past few weeks and will have to do so for the foreseeable future. Let us therefore continue to look out for one another.