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More than just a walk: In future, there will be no contact restrictions for vaccinated and convalescent people
Photo: Kirchner-Media / Wedel / imago images / Kirchner-Media
Those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered can enjoy more freedom again in Germany.
A corresponding regulation by the Ministry of Justice was first approved by the Bundestag on Thursday - and now also by the Bundesrat.
The ordinance can already take effect at the weekend; Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier still has to put it into effect with his signature.
A purely formality.
The federal government issues the ordinance on the basis of the new Infection Protection Act.
Originally, the drafting was only planned for the end of May - however, some federal states had already made their own similar regulations.
In almost all countries, people who have been vaccinated against Corona and those who have recovered from Covid are already treated on an equal footing with those who have been tested - for example, when going to the hairdresser there is no obligation to test.
Some federal states such as Bavaria and Hesse have also initiated further easing.
The now nationwide regulation regulates, among other things, contact restrictions, curfews and quarantine rules - an overview.
What are the rules for vaccinated and convalescent people?
These four simplifications come into force:
The applicable contact restrictions are no longer applicable.
That means: Vaccinated and Genesis can meet with any number of other vaccinated and convalescent.
They are not included in meetings with unvaccinated people, for example with family or friends.
So if a vaccinated mother and an unvaccinated father visit the unvaccinated neighbors with the toddler, then this is now allowed: The father is the one contact person who the neighboring household is allowed to receive.
The mother no longer counts.
The night exit restrictions no longer apply.
Vaccinated and convalescent people are allowed to move at night without having to take into account local regulations of the federal emergency brake.
There is no quarantine requirement after travel.
With one exception: if vaccinated or convalescent people come in from a virus variant area, the quarantine does apply.
It is still unclear how solidly the vaccination protection works with mutants - the exception here is a protective measure.
People who have been vaccinated and who have recovered are also put on an equal footing with those who tested negative.
This means that you no longer have to do a quick test before going to the hairdresser or shopping for an appointment.
But: The obligation to wear a mask in certain places and the distance requirement in public spaces still apply.
Who is considered vaccinated?
Anyone who has received full vaccination protection.
According to the regulation, this is the case if at least 14 days have passed after the last necessary individual vaccination.
With the vaccines from Biontech, AstraZeneca and Moderna, this applies accordingly after the second vaccination.
In the case of vaccines from Johnson & Johnson that only need to be inoculated once, however, already after the first vaccination.
How do I prove my vaccination?
The vaccinated person must be able to provide evidence on paper or digitally in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish.
As a rule, the vaccination certificate is sufficient.
Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) also promised a digital vaccination card for the summer.
Who is considered recovered?
Anyone who has ever survived a corona infection.
According to the regulation, however, only if the illness was not more than six months ago.
How do I prove that I have had Corona?
Only evidence of a positive PCR laboratory test is accepted - positive rapid tests are not sufficient.
This PCR test must be at least 28 days old.
And must not be more than six months old - because only then can sufficient immune protection be assumed.
As a vaccinated or convalescent, can I go to cafes or concerts again?
No.
Although there are individual federal states that are opening restaurants or shops in model projects, the ordinance does not regulate anything comparable at the federal level.
Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) also emphasized that the current regulations do not give rise to any legal entitlement to the opening of swimming pools, cinemas or cafés for vaccinated and genesis patients.
The regulation is "an important step towards normalcy," but whether and when restaurants, cultural and leisure facilities open depends on the infection rate.
Does the regulation also make it mandatory to have a vaccination?
No.
The corona vaccinations remain voluntary.
Are further relaxations planned for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered?
Not for now.
The federal government makes further loosening and openings dependent on the infection process.
Justice Minister Lambrecht said the pandemic had to be fought further: "We all have to work flat out to ensure that these steps towards normality soon not only apply to those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered, but that we can all work our way back to this longed-for normality."
mrc / dpa