Germany travel advice: is it safe to travel to Germany after Lufthansa grounds flights and coronavirus cases rise to 349
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose to 349 on Thursday 5 March, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
With more than 90,000 cases confirmed across the globe, and 3,000 fatalities caused by the virus, the Foreign & Commonwealth office has issued travel advice for several countries.
Here’s the latest travel advice for Germany amid the outbreak.
Coronavirus in Germany
The Federal Ministry of Health (FMH) states that “additional cases, infection chains and outbreaks in Germany must be expected”.
The Robert Koch Institute has rated the risk to public health in Germany as “moderate”. The FMH goes on to say that Germany is prepared “as it possibly can be”.
“Our networks of centres of expertise and special clinics is unmatched by international standards,” the FMH states. “We have a very good disease warning and notification system, as well as excellent pandemic preparedness plans.”
Cases of Covid-19 in Germany
According to the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s centre for disease control and prevention, all but one of Germany’s 16 states have confirmed cases of coronavirus.
The Robert Koch Institute states the following numbers of coronavirus cases in these areas:
Baden-Württemberg: 65
- Bayern : 52
- Berlin: 9
- Brandenburg: 1
- Bremen: 3
- Hamburg: 3
- Hessen: 14
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 4
- Niedersachsen: 10
- Nordrhein-Westfalen: 175
- Rheinland-Pfalz: 7
- Saarland: 1
- Sachsen: 1
- Schleswig Holstein: 3
- Thüringen: 1
Can I still travel to Germany?
The Foreign Office says: “There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere, including Germany.”
However, there are no travel restrictions for those looking to travel to Germany, unless you are first departing from Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea or China.
Those arriving in Germany from those listed countries must provide information on their flight/trip and where they can be reached for the 30 days after their arrival. This is done with the disembarkation card, which can be found here.
Some airlines are however cancelling some flights to Germany, like British Airways and Ryanair, reported Sky News.
If you’re planning on travelling to Germany, keep an eye on updates from your airline to make sure your flight hasn’t been affected.
Lufthansa flights cancelled
The website for the travel site Lufthansa states: “Lufthansa Group will continue to cancel flights to mainland China until April 24, 2020. This affects flights to Beijing, Nanjing, Shenyang and Qingdao.
“For affected passengers to these destinations Lufthansa Group offers free rebooking or refund. Flights to Hong Kong will be reduced in March and April.”
The announcement goes on to explain that, because of the current situation regarding Covid-19, the number of short and medium haul flights might also see reductions of up to 25 per cent in the coming weeks.
Lufthansa advises that you keep a close eye on the status of your flight and the entry restrictions for your destination in case anything changes.
“If you are unable to start your journey due to changed travel and/or entry restrictions in the context of the coronavirus, Lufthansa Group also offers free rebooking or refund,” the announcement said.
What is coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways.
The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.
How is it spread?
As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.
What are the symptoms?
The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.
What precautions can be taken?
The most important piece of advice health officials are sharing is to wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. Put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.
Should I avoid public places?
Most people who feel well can continue to go to work, school and public places and should only stay at home and self isolate if advised by a medical professional or the coronavirus service.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
Don’t go to your GP but instead call NHS 111 or look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next.
When to call NHS 111
NHS 111 should be used if you feel unwell with coronavirus symptoms, have been in a country with a high risk of coronavirus in the last 14 days or if you have been in close contact with someone with the virus.