Berlin mulls Covid-19 tests upon return for holiday-goers amid surge
Berlin, Jul 27 (EFE).- Germany is considering an extension of mandatory negative Covid-19 tests upon entry, the government announced Tuesday, which could apply to all foreign destinations independently of the region of origin or method of transportation of incoming travelers.
As German media unveiled the government’s intentions, experts across the country said it would be necessary to extend mandatory testing to fully vaccinated travellers and people who have recovered from the disease as well, considering these groups are also known to carry the infectious virus.
For now, Germany is enforcing mandatory negative tests to enter the country for travellers arriving by plane from high-risk areas and who have not received the full course of the Covid-19 vaccine or recovered from it.
Health Minister Jens Spahn warned last week that an upward tendency of infections could make infections in the country soar up to 400 cases per 100,000 people by September.
According to German media, Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht is opposing the harsher travel restrictions, which she finds to be disproportionate.
“What we see is that those returning from trips abroad usually contribute to bringing infections to Germany,” said the virologist Martin Stürmer on public television, voicing concerns from the scientific community who are advocating for more severe restrictions and controls. EFE
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