Mandatory testing for home visitor changes before Christmas

Coronavirus
state government

In some federal states, the mask requirement in local transport has already decreased. It will remain in NRW. However, there’s a relaxation elsewhere.

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The mask obligation in local public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia remains in effect. In contrast to other federal states, the NRW state government complies with this obligation, as shown by the latest Corona regulation. For the moment, the most populous federal state does not follow the pioneers among the federal states that have already abolished the obligation to wear masks in local transport or have decided to do so.

Shortly before Christmas, however, there will be a relaxation elsewhere: from December 23, separate test certificates will no longer be required by the testing centers for visits to hospitals and nursing homes or prisons. A negative self-test is enough, the Ministry of Health announced via Twitter on Friday evening. However, in case of doubt or symptoms, the structures could carry out a control test.

The test requirement is changing

An ordinance was passed on Friday to extend the provisions of the Corona Protection Ordinance and the Testing and Quarantine Ordinance until January 31, a spokesman for the NRW health ministry said at the request of the dpa. It will come into effect on December 23. The only significant change is that testing requirements for visitors to facilities such as hospitals and care homes, but also prisons, would be made more workable.

“From 23.12. it is sufficient for you to take the test at home and, if requested, verbally assure the facility that the test was negative”, explained the ministry spokesman to the change. He also added: “In the event of a positive self-test, the obligation remains to have a control test carried out, either by PCR test (free of charge) or as a self-paid test in a city test centre. “

Countries can decide for themselves whether masks are mandatory

Federal states can decide for themselves whether masks are mandatory on buses and trains in local transport. In Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt, masks are no longer mandatory on buses and trains in local public transport. In Schleswig-Holstein it expires at the end of the year. Bremen plans to abolish it by March 1, 2023. However, according to the Infection Protection Act, FFP2 masks are mandatory nationwide until April 7, 2023 for long-distance trains and long-distance buses.

As the NRW Ministry of Health lists in an internet overview, wearing an FFP2 mask is still required for access to hospitals and full and semi-inpatient care facilities and comparable facilities. This applies to both visitors and staff. Employees of outpatient care services and comparable services should also wear an FFP2 mask during their work. Visitors to doctors’ offices are also obliged to wear an FFP2 mask.

dpa

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