New COVID-19 Rules in Germany: What It Means for Cross-border Shoppers?

New Measures

              The COVID-19 situation in Germany is very serious, that is why the country decided to impose more strict measures in several states. From Wednesday, November 17th, the neighboring to Switzerland state of Baden-Württemberg, put some strict measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. The new rule is that the 3G rule is replaced with a 2G rule, which requires people to be either vaccinated or recovered from the virus to take part in some activities. The 3G rule meant also people with negative test were allowed to take part in certain activities. So as of now negative test are not sufficient to take part in some activities in the state of Baden-Württemberg.

Impacting Cross-border Shoppers

              New COVID-19 restrictions in Germany will impact cross-border shoppers. Travelling to neighboring countries from Switzerland is very popular among consumers. Cross-border shoppers go mainly from Switzerland to Germany, France and Italy – apart from getting for petrol, which is apparently cheaper in Switzerland, meanwhile cross-border workers commute in other direction. Also many people go to Germany this time around the year for Christmas fair. What does new rules mean for Swiss those consumers? To go shopping in essential shops like supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries and also for visiting gas stations, Swiss resident doesn’t need to show any COVID certificate. However, for shopping in retail non-essential shops, e.g. with clothes and electronics, one need to be complaint with 3G rule. For meeting with friends in private in Baden-Württemberg, the 2G rule applies. When it comes to visiting outdoor Christmas market, there is no need to show COVID certificate. But in Baden-Württemberg one can buy arts, crafts without certificate, but to buy food and drink in the alert area region 2G rule apply, in others regions – 3G. It is also worth to notice that some Christmas markets in Baden-Württemberg have already indicated they will adopt stricter, 2G rules. In Bavaria rules are more relaxed, and when one is outdoors there is no need to follow 3G or 2G rules. Those apply however for fenced off areas (such as Christmas markets with France) and indoor areas.

Entering Germany

              For entering Germany while coming from Switzerland, one has to obey to 3G rule, unless they stay less than 24 hours. So cross-border workers, shoppers traveling for shorter time don’t need to show COVID certificate, negative COVID test or be recovered from COVID.