The German government intends to partially lift the warning to citizens not to travel outside the country's borders. According to the dpa agency, travel is planned to be made possible again in 31 countries, if the epidemiological situation in that country allows it.
The government should decide on the proposal of the document entitled "Criteria on enabling intra-European tourism", which the agency had access to, at the session on Wednesday, May 27.
In addition to the 26 countries of the European Union, there is also Great Britain, as well as four countries that are not members of the Union: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The lifting of the travel ban should be a signal to enable a cross-border summer holiday in Europe. The idea behind this is that the restoration of tourism is important for those who travel, for German tourism, but also for the economic stability of each of the countries to which one travels, says the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by dpa.
In order to provide the best possible protection against infection with the corona virus, the German government wants to adopt a whole series of common criteria with the EU. Berlin, among other things, proposes that other EU countries adopt the upper limit rule of a maximum of 50 new infections per 100.000 inhabitants in seven days.
Concept of general hygiene measures
In addition, each individual country should develop "sustainable concepts" on social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing and ventilation, as well as room disinfection. The concept of protection should also include plans in case vacationers fall ill, a sufficient number of tests and the possibility of being quarantined and receiving medical care.
In addition, the recommendations of the European Commission on the safety of passengers and personnel in means of transport such as airplanes must be implemented, according to the document of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany. As further stated, the European Commission should develop a procedure for assessing the protective measures that have been taken.
The tourism industry in Germany welcomes the government's plans to lift the ban on travel to 31 countries. The president of the Tourist Association of Germany, Norbert Fibig, told dpa that it provides a perspective not only for tourism, but also for many people who are looking forward to a vacation.
On March 17, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas, issued a warning regarding travel to countries around the world. This is unprecedented - until now, such a warning was issued only in the case of travel to war zones, such as Syria or Afghanistan.
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