Those returning to Germany from 130 countries and regions of increased epidemiological risk are required to take coronavirus tests
As reported by Deutsche Welle, tests can be taken at airports, train stations and other transport hubs, at local health authorities, and in the offices of private practitioners. Coronavirus tests for returnees are free if taken no later than 72 hours after entering the country. In addition, one free repeat test can be taken.
Until a negative result is obtained, those returning from risk countries must observe home isolation. According to the German Federal Ministry of Health, results are usually ready within 24-48 hours. As a rule, the test is performed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
On the website of the Federal Ministry of Health, answers to questions about coronavirus testing for those entering the Federal Republic of Germany can be found.
Those who do not undergo mandatory testing will be subject to high fines, the ministry's website further reports. Those who provide a certificate of a negative test issued no later than 48 hours ago are exempt from taking the test.
Currently, countries and regions of increased risk include, in particular, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgian Antwerp, three regions of Bulgaria, several counties of Romania, Spanish Aragon, Catalonia and Navarre, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Turkey and the USA.
One of the criteria for including a country or region in this list is the rate of new infections of more than 50 people per 100,000 population over the last seven days. In addition, measures taken by the authorities to combat the spread of the coronavirus are taken into account.