Germany finally tightens border control, bans ‘non-essential’ travel

Germany finally tightens border control, bans ‘non-essential’ travel
Germany finally tightens border control, bans 'non-essential' travel
After seeing a dramatic spike in coronavirus cases, which jumped by 1,000 in one day, Germany finally announced that it has decided to tighten up border controls, limiting ‘non-essential’ travel with European countries.

Facing the alarming spread of the coronavirus, Germany re-introduced checks on the borders with Austria, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Denmark starting Monday morning.

The move was announced by Interior Minister Horst Seehofer late Sunday.

โ€œThe spread of the coronavirus is progressing quickly and aggressively… one of the most important measures will be to cut off the chain of infection,โ€ Seehofer said.

As of Sunday, Germany has over 5,800 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 13 deaths. The number of those infected surged by over 1,000 on Saturday.

Peopleย โ€œwithout a significant reason to travel,โ€ย as well as those suspected of being infected with the disease wonโ€™t be able to cross the borders. The flow of cargo and cross-border commuters, however, will not be affected by the restrictions. German citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to return to the country as well.

Seehofer stressed that the travel restrictions are temporary and will be reevaluatedย โ€œfrom time to time.โ€

Despite the coronavirus threat, Berlin has been reluctant to tighten border controls. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken out against the measure, saying it isย โ€œnot an appropriate response to the challenge.โ€

 

About the author

Avatar of Chief Assignment Editor

Chief Assignment Editor

Chief Assignment editor is Oleg Siziakov

Share to...