November 12, 2021 It is increasingly important to have a COVID digital certificate on you at all times. Depending on where you live, you might need it to get into a restaurant, museum, or even your child’s soccer match. Fortunately, Germany offers some really great guidance and app options forContinue Reading
Managing stress has never been easy, and COVID has certainly not helped. But mindfulness meditation is specifically targeted at helping you tackle such challenges. Continue Reading
May 25, 2021 As the German federal government and state governments publicize plans for reopening the country, it seems like one phrase is everywhere: incidence rates. Incidence rates are how the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which is the German equivalent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measures COVIDContinue Reading
Courtesy Translation by Nadine Bower U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden May 14 2021 On May 11, Rheinland-Pfalz Minister Malu Dreyer announced a three-step plan for safely re-opening the state. A full translation of the Minister President’s comments in English is available here. Previously, the Minister President had agreed with the localContinue Reading
May 12, 2020 Even though the German Parliament recently eased restrictions for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID, many regulations remain in place. Additionally, different German states may have rules that are stricter than those recommended by the German federal government. Where to turn? For Americans who live inContinue Reading
May 10, 2020 As the number of people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to rise, European countries are returning to the question of how to re-open for “normal” life. This includes welcoming visitors from the U.S., and opening borders for intra-European travel. For Americans living in Germany, policiesContinue Reading
May 7, 2021 Today, the German parliament approved a bill that allows increased privileges and reduced restrictions for people who have received a full COVID-19 vaccine. The same rules would apply to those who are fully recovered from COVID, and have the means to prove it. A new set ofContinue Reading
Courtesy Translation by Nadine Bower U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden April 26, 2021 When will the new Infection Protection Act apply? The 4th Civil Protection Act, or so called “Federal Emergency Brake” law, was passed by the Cabinet on Apr. 13, 2021 and by the German Bundestag on Apr. 21, 2021.Continue Reading
American citizens who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 may soon be able to travel to Europe. In an interview given to the New York Times, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission (which essentially functions as the governing body for the European Union), stated that fully vaccinated U.S.Continue Reading
March 4, 2021 Current lockdown rules in Germany have been extended through March 28. This decision came yesterday, after federal and state leaders met to discuss COVID mitigation rules. However, there does appear to be at least some light at the end of the tunnel. A five-step plan to easeContinue Reading
January 20, 2021 In an ongoing effort to mitigate the spread of COVID, Germany extended key lockdown rules until at least February 14. This decision came following yesterday’s meeting between representatives of the federal government and all 16 states. The rules cover a number of areas related to socialization andContinue Reading
October 20, 2020 Recent weeks have brought a flood of information about new or strengthened COVID-19 restrictions. For good reason, too: the number of infections is rising quickly in Germany and around the world. In response, German leaders are moving to mitigate the negative health effects while trying to avoidContinue Reading
October 19, 2020 With COVID infections rising in Germany at rates not seen since the spring, the federal and state governments agreed last week to institute a new “hotspot strategy.” This strategy allows for policies to mitigate coronavirus-related risks while avoiding a total lockdown. Targeting hotspots The effort to containContinue Reading
September 30, 2020 In anticipation of cold and flu season, Germany strengthened regulations designed to reduce the spread of COVID. The updated policies will be applicable across the country. As it has done since the crisis emerged in mid-March, the German government took a coordinated federal-state response to this effort.Continue Reading
Septebmer 22, 2020 Following a week-long stretch of rising COVID-19 incidence rates, the Munich city government instituted tighter restrictions with regard to public spaces. New restrictions in Munich Masks are now mandatory in all areas of the old town, including the famed Marienplatz and other pedestrian zones. Small public gatherings,Continue Reading
August 29, 2020 Germany recently strengthened regulations intended to fight the spread of COVID-19. A joint federal and state resolution was released that included new guidance in three key areas. Mask requirements It is now obligatory to wear a mask in shops and on public transport. Not wearing a maskContinue Reading
August 11, 2020 Even though most of Europe is on summer vacation, COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere. To help reduce pandemic-related risks, Germany’s Federal government continues to release guidance for travelers returning to Germany. High-Risk Zones: Getting More Specific For months, the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s federal agency for disease controlContinue Reading
June 12, 2020 Germany has extended social distancing guidelines until June 29. The nuts and bolts of what distancing entails has not changed. When in public, people are required to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters, or approximately five feet, away from non-family members. Anyone over the age ofContinue Reading
June 9, 2020 Beginning June 15, Germany will officially lift travel restrictions with a number of European countries. After nearly three months of strict border controls, the country will open for travel to and from the following countries: all countries within the European Union United Kingdom and Northern Ireland SwitzerlandContinue Reading
May 16, 2020 Despite so much uncertainty, one thing remains clear: no matter where you find yourself in Germany, it is perfectly fine to go outside. As borders begin to reopen, many people who have been cooped up for two months are downright starving for adventure. Though international travel isContinue Reading
May 14, 2020 Germany’s borders are beginning to open…slowly. After having closed its borders to all non-essential traffic in mid-March, Germany announced recently that unrestricted travel to and from Luxembourg will be allowed starting Saturday, May 16. The country is taking a phased approach, however, to opening frontiers with itsContinue Reading
May 12, 2020 Beginning tomorrow, some restaurants in Germany may open their doors to the public once again. Depending on which state in Germany you find yourself, regulations may differ. While Rheinland-Pfalz eateries can start serving customers on May 13, restaurants in Hessen aren’t allowed to open until May 15;Continue Reading
May 11, 2020 Even as German shops and restaurants begin opening their doors to the public again, restrictions on gatherings – both large and small – remain in place. Though the country is famous for large events and for the warmth and hospitality of smaller ones, Germany isn’t quite readyContinue Reading
May 9, 2020 If you’ve missed shopping and eating out in Germany during the past two months, this week brought good news. Following a May 6 press conference by Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany has given the green light to reopen parts of their economy, including dining establishments and stores. HereContinue Reading