The Bundesrat has approved the new Infection Protection Act passed by the Bundestag the previous day. The amendment enables uniform coronavirus protection measures to be imposed throughout the country, even after the declaration of the epidemic situation of national importance expires on 25 November.

New measures complement established regulations

Some new regulations are to be introduced. In future, the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered, tested) will apply at the workplace as well as on buses and trains. In hospitals and at preventive care and rehabilitation facilities, mandatory testing for employees and visitors is to be extended. The issue and use of false health certificates will be a punishable offence.

Numerous familiar protective measures such as mandatory masks and distancing rules can remain in place. Employees are also to return to working from home wherever possible. Social and economic safety nets have been extended. Depending on infection figures, federal states can still impose measures such as 3G, 2G and 2G plus test. However, the legislative package does not allow curfews or bans on accommodation to be imposed, nor does it permit the extensive, blanket closure of shops, schools, restaurants or sports facilities.

The regulations are to apply nationwide until 19 March 2022. A three-month extension is possible.