German Ministry Of Health Removes South Africa From The List Of Variant Regions Of The COVID-19 Virus

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JAKARTA - Germany removed South Africa and eight other African countries from a list of regions it called "virus variants."

This policy, according to the local Ministry of Health, was taken as an effort to ease travel restrictions that have been strictly enforced so far.

The change, which will take effect from Sunday, August 1, as quoted by Reuters via Antara, Friday, July 30, occurred after the COVID-19 Delta variant became dominant in Germany and South Africa.

Delta replaces the Beta variant, which was originally found in the southern African country.

Only German citizens and owners of permanent residency are currently allowed to enter Germany from virus variant areas. They are required to undergo quarantine upon arrival in their homeland.

The new classification will allow other people to travel to Germany provided they have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.