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Many companies hope that rapid tests could reduce travel restrictions and quarantine time.
Photo: Christian Charisius / dpa
The federal government recently extended the travel warning for tourists due to the corona pandemic for more than 160 countries outside the European Union until September 14th.
On Wednesday, the cabinet could deal with what happens after that.
Now the central associations of the German economy are calling on the federal government to change course when it comes to restrictions on foreign travel.
According to a joint paper by the DIHK, BDA, BDI, Dehoga, DRV, HDE and ZDH associations, the extended and expanded restrictions would have a variety of negative economic effects that went far beyond tourism.
A "proportionate" strategy must be found.
Global trade, the exchange of goods and investments are badly hit: export-oriented companies are often unable to send their personnel, be it in the areas of management, technology, assembly or sales, to their foreign customers or suppliers due to the many border closings and quarantine measures.
In addition, there were no new orders because international trade fairs were canceled.
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The association's statement said that the economy is aware that travel restrictions are a political instrument to contain the pandemic.
"However, travel restrictions run the risk of seriously affecting economic activities such as trade and investment."
Business wants to have a say in the future
The associations are calling for an economic impact assessment to be part of the considerations in future when classifying states and deciding on travel warnings by the Foreign Office.
In future, the Ministry of Economic Affairs should be consistently involved in the preparation of travel restrictions.
With global travel restrictions, the very different situations in different countries would have to be taken into account.
It is also said that negative consequences would hit many companies in an economically very fragile phase.
"In contrast to the beginning of the pandemic, the liquidity and capital reserves have now been used up in many ways."
Many companies are threatened with bankruptcy.
The search for solutions that promote health protection and economic activities at the same time is important.
"Many companies are placing their hopes on rapid tests that could at least reduce travel restrictions and quarantine times."
In order to minimize the risk for holidaymakers and business travelers as well as for the general public, sufficient test capacities should be made available for those returning from risk areas.
ls / dpa