Germany to lift all Covid-19 restrictions on March 1

Germany is set to lift all Covid-19-related restrictions on March 1, including mask mandates and testing requirements. The decision was made by the federal government after concluding that the current Covid-19 situation in the country is fully under control.

However, masks will remain mandatory for visitors to hospitals, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said the situation is manageable and strict measures are no longer needed. Pandemic rules in Germany have already been gradually eased in recent weeks; masks are no longer required on long-distance buses and trains since early February.

Authorities announced earlier this month that people who test positive for Covid-19 will no longer be required to isolate. According to the WHO, Germany recorded 81,005 new Covid-19 cases and 61 deaths over the past seven days. In terms of vaccination, 73% of Germany’s adult population has received a first dose and 18% a second.

Because of travel restrictions, tourism in Germany was significantly impacted during the pandemic. Yet popular destinations such as the Black Forest, Lake Constance region, and Berlin saw increased visitation from domestic travelers.

Germany began reopening its borders to travelers from the European Union and other countries in May 2021, but kept restrictions in place for arrivals from high-risk countries.

Pandemic restrictions also affected Munich’s world-famous beer festival; the Oktoberfest was canceled in both 2020 and 2021. The event typically draws millions of visitors from around the globe.