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Coronavirus: Controls extended on German-Swiss border

The Local
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Coronavirus: Controls extended on German-Swiss border
Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP

Germany has extended its controls on the border with Switzerland until May 15th.

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Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Tuesday that the border controls, which were first initiated in March, needed to be extended until at least mid-May. 

Only German citizens, residents of Germany and EU citizens with a valid reason for travel are allowed to cross the German border from Switzerland. 

In addition to borders with Switzerland, Austria, France, Luxembourg and Denmark, Germany has also stopped flights from Spain and Italy in order to control the pandemic. 

Closures along Switzerland’s borders - particularly with France, Italy and Germany - have caused havoc for those living along the border, many of whom have been separated from family and friends along the other side. 

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Switzerland has also indicated its border will be closed for the foreseeable future, although the government last week announced that family reunions for people living on either side of the border will be again allowed from May 11th

Coronavirus: Swiss border to be reopened for family reunions from May 11th

As it stands, all Swiss citizens as well as residence permit holders and cross-border permit holders are allowed to enter Switzerland - but tourists and other visitors were restricted.

Crossing the border into Switzerland to go shopping - even for people with valid permits - has been prohibited since April 16th. 

Switzerland’s borders were shut swiftly at midnight on Wednesday, March 25th, separating families who had previously crossed the border unfettered. 

 

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