Free corona tests for returnees
Christine Albert studied German linguistics and literature as well as Scandinavian studies at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg. She is currently doing a traineeship at Hubert Burda Media and is writing, among other things, for
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Souvenirs from vacation are not always a joy, especially when travelers bring the coronavirus with them. Tests are now being offered on a large scale. You are voluntary - for now. Answers to the most important questions.
Returning home is likely to bring with it a throat swab for many holidaymakers in the future. Anyone coming to Germany from abroad should have the opportunity to be tested for the corona virus free of charge. The federal and state health ministers decided on Friday.
"We are still in the middle of the corona pandemic," said Federal Minister Jens Spahn (CDU). The increasing travel traffic increases the risk. "The federal government will therefore supplement the national test strategy in such a way that all travelers returning can have themselves tested within three days of entering the country." The most important questions about the resolutions:
What will apply to holidaymakers in the future?
In the future, anyone who comes back from a risk area, i.e. a state with a high risk of infection, should be able to be tested for free on Corona. The possibility exists 72 hours after entry, for example in a doctor's office or health department. There will also be test sites at airports and seaports for air and ship travelers from risk areas. If they cannot show a negative test result, they have to be quarantined at home for two weeks as before.
Are corona tests then mandatory?
Not formally for the time being. The health ministers speak of creating "the possibility" for this after cross-border trips. Multilingual leaflets are to be used to advertise tests at train stations, bus stations, ports and airports. However, the ministers have decided to examine a legal obligation.
Is the test safe?
Not a single test. It can happen that the virus is not yet detectable in someone who has recently been infected at the time of the test. "A negative test can only be a snapshot," said the ministers' decision. A repeat test would make sense five to seven days after the entry test. Anyone who has unclear symptoms after a negative test must contact a doctor immediately. "We appeal to all travelers to take responsibility."
What precautions are still planned?
Whether by plane, ship, bus or train: travelers from risk areas should indicate contact options and fellow travelers on a so-called drop-off card. There should be random checks near the borders with the help of the federal police. Near the border, boards should provide information about quarantine and testing options. "The option of on-site testing should also be made possible at selected points," it says without further details.
When does it apply?
There is no uniform schedule. The federal states are now gradually implementing the resolutions. Berlin, for example, has announced that it will probably test returnees for the corona virus at its airports from this Monday.
Which countries are risk areas?
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has classified more than 100 countries worldwide as areas where there is an increased risk of infection with the coronavirus. You can find out which countries are included here.
What tests are you talking about?
So far there is no information on this. Common tests for an acute corona infection are the so-called PCR tests. As a rule, helpers take swabs from the nose or throat with a stick, which are then examined for the genetic material of the Sars-CoV-2 pathogen.
What about those who switch?
The airlines have the data of the passengers, the routes and who they were sitting next to. In principle, this would make it possible to determine whether a passenger who comes from Rome, for example, has transferred there on the way back from a risk area. The federal government wants to develop a process for digitally transferring passenger data.
What do airlines say on the subject?
In tests, they see an opportunity to get the air traffic, which has been hard hit by the Corona crisis, going again. This is especially true for the lucrative long-haul connections between the USA and Europe, which are severely restricted due to the entry restrictions in the pandemic. "We welcome the fact that no new travel restrictions will be set up within the EU with the decision to adopt this test strategy," said the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry. (approx / dpa)
