Posted on 04/03/2022 2:07:43 AM PDT by GonzoII
For the first time in nearly two years, people in Berlin will not have to wear face masks in many shops, and other restrictions have been lifted. Here's a look at what's changed in the capital.For some people it’s ‘freedom day’, and for others it’s reckless.
But regardless of what you think, the powers that be have spoken: several Covid-19 measures have been relaxed in Germany’s Hauptstadt Berlin as of Friday April 1st.
What’s changed?
From this date, masks are no longer compulsory in shops, museums, restaurants or schools – unless the business or facilities issues their own mask rules.
Furthermore, the Covid entry pass system – known as 3G in Germany – is no longer in place. That means people don’t have to show proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test to visit most public places.
(Excerpt) Read more at thelocal.de ...
As an ex-Berliner, I read this quite differently, with mandatory masking on public transport, and the government switching to "enforcement" on a "voluntary" basis by institutions and businesses. The national stance is slowly withering, but the heavy-handed fist of fear pron is probably not yet over.
Related: "The EUDCC currently operates as a travel pass across EU member nations, verifying a person's vaccination status in order to facilitate trips across the continent. Some countries are using their own apps or paper documentation created before the existence of the EUDCC. Other countries are happy to use the EUDCC as the vaccination data is already present and available, streamlining the process."
Source: https://www.euronews.com/travel/2021/10/12/green-pass-which-countries-in-europe-do-you-need-one-for
Specifically" "Most people entering indoor hospitality spaces in Germany must now be vaccinated, recovered, or tested negative against COVID-19 and show proof of this through the EUDCC."
It isn't over. The media is trying to make coercion more palatable, with words like "easing."
So the title "Berlin [and all of Germany] lifts almost all Covid rules: What you need to know" isn't true for Germany as a whole. This is marketing from the TheLocal.de. Why? Business and tourism are down. The message is "things are better so please come and spend some money." But as the article says, "however...."
Germany is similar to the UK, in that they are lifting the restrictions, even while they are experiencing a high number of cases.
The Brits call it “living with COVID”, but I have called it a “Let it rip” approach to COVID. Omicron is less deadly, and by now, most people have had it, or been vaccinated, or both.
In the USA, we are pretty much over our Omicron wave, and our case numbers are quite low, even though the more transmissible BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron just passed 50% last week, to become the dominant strain in the USA. The end of Cold and Flu season in the next few weeks should further suppress COVID in the USA.
RELATED FROM: I AM EXPAT What's changing with Germany's COVID rules from April 2?
"Let it rip"
...." and run its course!" ;0)
Same with S. Korea. They just threw in the towel and said eff it at peak omicron...
Time to retaliate against any and all who locked us down.
"Travellers over the age of six can enter Germany if their 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' contains one of the following:
"Proof of vaccination completed at least 14 days after receiving the full vaccination. Vaccine certificates are valid for 270 days.
"Vaccines authorised by the Paul Ehrlich Institute are accepted: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZenica, Novavax, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (with Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, a second dose of one of the vaccines is required. At least 14 days must have elapsed since receiving the last vaccine dose).
"Proof of recovery showing a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days but no more than 90 days prior.
Negative result to a test taken no earlier than 48 hours before the actual or scheduled time of entry. Where entry takes place using a carrier, the scheduled time of departure is decisive."
"Germany - Covid travel rules, EU Digital Covid Certificate, restrictions and measures in place" - 14 March 2022
Source: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/travel-and-covid/germany/index_en.htm
The Berlin Senate controls Berlin's rules, but does not speak to the national agenda, nor to the EU regulations.
Among the required: "Proof of recovery: Proof of recovery must comply with the criteria published in section 2 number 8 of the Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations."
Source: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/service/gesetze-und-verordnungen/guv-19-lp/coronavirus-einreiseverordnung.html
As to an "app" with which to travel: "COVID-Zertifikate der EU digital nachweisen."
https://www.digitaler-impfnachweis-app.de/
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