Germany supposedly contemplating designating Vienna as a risk zone
As of Wednesday, Germany has declared Vienna a coronavirus risk area. This designation means that travelers returning from Vienna to Germany are subject to specific protocols under German coronavirus regulations.
The implications for travelers returning from Vienna include:
- Obligation to register digitally upon arrival in Germany. - Possible quarantine or testing requirements, depending on the current German public health rules for risk areas. - Travelers may be required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test to avoid quarantine.
The risk classification aims to control the spread of COVID-19, particularly with Austria experiencing high infection rates and some regions entering lockdown measures due to hospital capacity concerns.
The decision follows increasing cases of COVID-19 in Vienna and surrounding Austrian regions, which have led German authorities to caution about the transmissible risk posed by travelers coming from these areas.
It's important to note that the declaration of Vienna as a risk area is a decision made by the German government, not the Austrian government. The requirement for home quarantine upon return from a designated coronavirus risk area is already in effect in Germany.
The announcement was shared with the Austrian daily "Der Standard" by German government circles, indicating that the decision was imminent. This action aligns with Germany's strategy to manage the pandemic amid a challenging epidemiological situation in parts of Europe.
Travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and regulations, and to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Other than adhering to the digital registration upon arrival, science and health-and-wellness regulations demand that travelers may also need to undergo quarantine or testing, dependent on the existing German public health rules for risk areas. This decision by the German government, based on the rising COVID-19 cases in Vienna, also requires proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test to evade isolation upon return, emphasizing the need for a focus on health-and-wellness during these times.
