Corona tests for returnees from risk areas

Ana Goldscheider studied journalism and corporate communication in Hamburg and is now completing additional training as an editor. In a medical editorial office, she writes texts for print magazines and, among other things.

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Anyone who comes back to Germany from risk areas actually has to be in quarantine for two weeks. But not everyone sticks to it. Politicians want to change the rules now.

Anyone entering from so-called risk areas abroad should in future be tested for the corona virus immediately after their return. To this end, the government wants to set up test stations at German airports. According to information from the German Press Agency, the federal and state health ministers agreed on a corresponding recommendation on Wednesday, without first making a formal decision. The tests are said to be mandatory.

The operators still see unanswered questions regarding the planned corona tests at German airports. "In any case, if the health authorities order a rapid test of any kind, it would have to be carried out by the authorities," explained the German Airports Association. Airport employees are not authorized to check passengers for their health status. "It must then also be determined how travelers who have been positively tested are to be dealt with."

So far, only domestic quarantine has been compulsory

So far, people who return from countries severely affected by the coronavirus have initially had to be quarantined at home for 14 days in Germany. Whether they actually always do that is questionable. That is why politicians want to readjust here.

Worldwide, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) currently classifies most of the countries as corona risk areas. In contrast, there is no quarantine requirement for travelers from almost all EU countries and some other European countries.

Increased risk of infection also in EU countries

At the moment, many Germans are on vacation in Spain, France, Italy or Greece - in countries that are not classified as risk areas. Nevertheless, there may be an increased risk of infection with Sars-CoV-2 there. Most recently, unbridled parties by vacationers without a mask and distance on Mallorca had made headlines and also alarmed politics. (ag / dpa)

Tags:  unfulfilled wish to have children vaccinations gpp