The Delta variant is increasingly becoming a concern in continental Europe. In Germany, voices are being raised to tighten the requirements for those returning to travel significantly.

In Europe and Germany, there is growing concern about another wave of pandemics. Because the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading more and more, therefore, Germany will classify Portugal and Russia as risk areas from Tuesday. This step results in a far-reaching ban on the carriage and strict quarantine rules for travellers.

If the SPD politicians Manuela Schwesig and Karl Lauterbach have their way, holiday returnees will have to be tested twice for the coronavirus in the future. “International travel must not lead to more people becoming infected again and carrying the virus home,” said Schwesig.

For all returnees from risk areas, it should therefore apply that they take a test at the beginning of their return and another after five days of quarantine. The federal government should change its ordinance accordingly or let the states decide for themselves.

Lauterbach sees it that way too. Anyone coming to Germany from another country by car, ship or plane should show a negative test and have to do another PCR test five days later, he said. “Anyone who comes from a risk area or a virus variant area should remain in quarantine during this time,” demanded Lauterbach.

Because of the tense Corona situation in Great Britain, the SPD politician called for a travel ban for British people in the European Union. In view of the dramatic corona development in the United Kingdom in the middle of the primary travel season, a travel embargo from the United Kingdom to Europe would be advisable.

Chancellor Angela Merkel warned shortly before the new classifications of a fourth corona wave in Germany on Friday. Germany has so far classified 14 countries as virus variant areas, including Great Britain. Portugal and Russia are now number 15 and 16.

The classification results in a transport ban for airlines, bus and train companies. They are only allowed to bring German citizens and foreigners residing in Germany across the border. For those who are allowed to enter, there is a strict 14-day quarantine obligation, which cannot be shortened by a test and also applies to those who have been fully vaccinated and recovered.

Photo by Zumapress (CC BY 2.0)