Quarantine measures for entering and returning to Germany vary from one federal state to another. This could bring more friction into production in Europe. The VDMA demands a 5-day regulation that is valid everywhere.
The rules for a corona quarantine exemption must be standardized within Germany urgently. In the opinion of the VDMA, a 5-day rule valid everywhere would be appropriate.
Technicians and other service personnel must be able to move freely to other European countries. This is the only way to ensure a frictionless production across borders – stresses Ulrich Ackermann, Head of VDMA Foreign Trade. – The current patchwork of formulations and regulations in the individual federal states, on the other hand, means a relapse into the small-scale production of the 19th century.
Since April 10th, Germany has a 14-day quarantine obligation in place for those entering the country and returning from abroad. Although the federal and state governments had agreed on a uniform procedure in advance, the implementation of the regulations has created a confusing patchwork. For example, depending on the federal state, exceptions to the quarantine obligation apply to travellers after a stay abroad of less than 48 hours or 72 hours or in some cases 5 days. The situation is similar with the exception periods for those entering the country in general. Some exceptions apply for short stays or for journeys made for „valid“ reasons, but the details vary considerably from state to state.
The current patchwork of formulations and regulations in the individual federal states means a relapse into the small-scale production of the 19th century. Uniform deadlines for the release from domestic quarantine would already be an important step. North Rhine-Westphalia has taken the right path with its 5-day rule. This covers a large part of the necessary trips to other European countries – says Ackermann.
It should also be made clear that installation and maintenance are generally recognised as "valid" reasons for travel. This would make it easier for companies to adapt to the situation than with the current abstract formulations.
Furthermore, a release from home quarantine should be automatic in case of a negative corona test. It is not comprehensible why this case is not regulated as an exception on a national level – complains Ackermann.
source: www.vdma.org
