The ferries increase the timetables to the East Frisian Islands, the first vacationers come. But in Corona times, an important question arises for them: How long do they have to stay at least?
Langeoog / Borkum (dpa) - The East Frisian Islands have a special position - this means different rules for the re-admitted tourists in the Corona crisis.
While in the rest of Lower Saxony it is now valid that new guests are allowed to come to holiday apartments every seven days, but do not have to stay the whole day, the state regulation for the islands stipulates a minimum rental period of seven days.
Refill period and minimum length of stay
At the same time, the regulation in the section on islands also gives municipalities the freedom to decide who can enter them. Langeoog's mayor Heike Horn (non-party) makes use of this and instead of the minimum stay, relies on the so-called reoccupation period as on the mainland: "What is important is that the fluctuation is restricted. If someone now stays on the island for three days, the holiday home must then remain empty for four days. "
On the other hand, Norderney and Juist announce on their websites that renting accommodation for at least a week is a prerequisite for tourists. This coincides with the state regulation, which is intended for holiday apartments, holiday homes and campsites.
No daytime tourism for the time being
The individual islands could now also allow day tourism. For Langeoog's mayor, this is initially unthinkable. Because of the high fluctuation and because one cannot understand possible ways of infection. "And if you only have 50 percent of the catering trade open with distance rules, how should we end up serving 13,000 people at once?" Asked Horn. So many usually stayed on the island during the day in high season. The other islands, Horn said, were not planning to allow day tourism so quickly.
There is uncertainty among the guests, which now applies, Horn said. When the state regulation with the minimum rent regulation appeared on Saturday afternoon, she and her colleagues on the other islands could not have given clear information. "It was not to be interpreted clearly. It was very unfortunate," said Horn. "It is also difficult for guests to understand that sometimes the same rules apply to us as on the mainland. That means I cannot go to the apartment with people from three different households."
Checks on the ferries
Horn says that only authorized persons come to the island on the ferries. First- and second-home owners would have to prove their identity, family relationships must be proven when visiting families, and tenants of holiday apartments would have to present the booking confirmation. The ferries to Borkum, Juist or Norderney currently only operate with a maximum utilization of 50 percent. Mouth and nose protection is mandatory on board. The providers are partially increasing the timetables for the expected tourists this week.
The seven islands are assuming good occupancy both at Pentecost and in summer, as the East Frisian Islands tourism company announced. There are still a few vacant accommodations available. According to the plans of the state government, hotels should be able to welcome holiday guests again from May 25 with restrictions.
State regulation
Norderney settlement
Juist scheme
