May 12, 2020
Even though the German Parliament recently eased restrictions for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID, many regulations remain in place. Additionally, different German states may have rules that are stricter than those recommended by the German federal government.
Where to turn? For Americans who live in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, the first place to look is always at command regulations. After that, however, the state of Rheinland-Pfalz governs how business is done in the area.
Key Rheinland-Pfalz resources
Fortunately, the state of Rheinland-Pfalz offers clear guidance for English speakers on their website. Up-to-date information can be found in English at https://corona.rlp.de/de/service/information-in-your-language/.
Using a translate tool in your browser, a wealth of information can also be found at https://corona.rlp.de/…/aktuelles/corona-regeln-im-ueberblick/.
An excellent graphic representation of key Rheinland-Pfalz restrictions (in German, but still easily understandable) is also available.
Current regulations
For the most part, key restrictions that were put in place by the late April “Emergency Brake” decision still apply. Key regulations include:
- Curfew: Restrictions are in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., though jogging and walking alone is allowed until midnight.
- Testing before visiting certain services: Unless you have been vaccinated or have proof of recovery from COVID, tests are necessary prior to visiting hair salons, zoos, botanical gardens and podiatrists.
- Returning travelers: Tests are mandatory for returning travelers. However, according to the new federal mandate, fully vaccinated people returning to Germany from abroad do not have to quarantine for 14 days (unless they are arriving from an area with mutated virus strains).
For U.S. government employees, including service members, remember to always follow command regulations, which may be different than host nation policies. More information is available from Ramstein Air Base, USAG Bavaria, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz, USAG Stuttgart, and USAG Wiesbaden.
