From Saturday, the Federal Republic of Germany wants to test all travelers who return from countries classified as risk areas by the Robert Koch Institute for the corona virus. This will be free of charge for the passengers, but there will be hefty fines if you refuse.

Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) considers compulsory testing to be a "reasonable intervention". As an alternative to testing “at the border”, a negative result that is not older than two days can also be presented. The politician referred to his own countries, which mandate a negative PCR result before leaving or boarding a commercial aircraft. These include the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

Appropriate test stations have already been set up in cooperation with local laboratories at most German commercial airports. Appropriate locations for carrying out PCR tests should also be created quickly on the road and rail routes.

Passengers who return to Germany from so-called “risk areas” and refuse a PCR test run the risk of being fined up to 25.000 euros. While those from the “problem areas” must be tested, participation should be voluntary for all other returnees, but also free of charge.

Germany expects the free corona tests on motorways, train stations and airports for travelers to revitalize the travel industry, but also to provide more security for the population and the passengers themselves. Every infection that is discovered makes a difference, according to Spahn.