Germany offers free COVID-19 tests at its airports for returnees

The Health Ministry of Germany has decided to give free COVID-19 tests to travelers returning to the country atall its airports. This move is to prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases owing to summer travel.

Dilek Kalayci, Berlin’s Health Minister, has stated that the tests would be optional in the beginning. The state will meet the expenses in all cases.

Testing is compulsory for those returning from risk countries. Those returning from non-risk nations will also have the option to get tested. They will get a free test from their local authority.

To test those arriving from high-risk countries, there will be test facilities installed at all German airports. Those who opt not to get tested or those who turn out positive in the test will compulsorily be subjected to 14 days of quarantine.

This new scheme is already operational in Munich, Cologne/Bonn, and Frankfurt airports. Berlin airport’s plan is to introduce the tests from this week.

Germany has identified 130 countries as risk countries. Neighboring countries of EU and Schengen area are considered exceptions. So, they could come down on a Germany visit visa.

The free test facility is a move in the right direction as there has been concern over a surge in infections during summer tourism in Germany. There will be many arriving on Germany tourist visa.

The city of Cottbus reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case last week. A family of 4 was tested positive after their return from Mallorca.

The German Federal Cabinet had decided to allow residents of 11 third countries to enter the country. These countries were in the safe countries list of the EU Council. The decision was in line with the recommendation of the EU Council that was issued on June 30, 2020. The recommendation suggested EU member states and Schengen countries to remove restrictions on entry for residents of 15 third countries. These countries were considered safe. Later, Montenegro was removed from the list.

In June 2020, Germany also decided to let those stuck in the country since March 2020 with expired Schengen visas stay back until September 30, 2020. This was in fact an extension provided considering the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier the last date was June 30.

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