Germany extends border control with Czech Republic

Germany has so far extended permanent border controls with the Czech Republic and the Austrian federal state of Tyrol by two weeks. In today’s interview with Münchner Merkur, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said this, according to which Germany may relax the border regime with Tyrol in March. Still, Czechia will have to wait due to the problematic epidemic situation. Berlin resumed inspections on 14 February to enforce compliance with quarantine measures, as the Czechia, with most of Tyrol, is on the German list of areas with coronavirus mutations.

“We’re extending inspections,” Seehofer said. Until now, the regulation provided for inspections to date, but its validity is now being extended for another two weeks, until 31 March.

Due to the extremely high infectious numbers in the Czech Republic, Seehofer does not see room for a regime release. Bavaria and Saxony, which border the Czech Republic, do not want a breakdown either. On the contrary, the situation in Tyrol is improving.

“We hope to be able to end the inspections with Austria a little earlier, maybe even in March,” Seehofer said. Austria is negotiating intensively with Berlin on inspections, and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who will also meet with Seehofer, will arrive in the German capital on Thursday. “We will also discuss inspections,” Seehofer said at the meeting.

Only Germans, foreigners living permanently in Germany, freight carriers, or selected commuters may travel from mutated areas to Germany if they prove harmful by a coronavirus test. Everyone except cross-border workers and truck drivers must quarantine upon arrival.