Reader question: Is Germany's Covid health pass still valid?
Do you have to carry proof of Covid vaccination or recovery when you're in Germany, or travelling? Here's what you need to know.
Testing centres, masks and vaccination certificates - these are a few of the things that have become part of everyday life since the pandemic started in 2020.
But as Germany has phased out most regulations - such as the 3G and 2G rules - many are wondering if they still need to have a record of this information, and if the laws around Covid certificates still exist.
Do I need to have or carry proof of my Covid vaccinations in Germany at the moment?
It's worth noting that there is no obligation to have proof of your Covid status in Germany. But it is an obligation to show it if you want to access certain facilities if there is a rule in place at the time.
Under recent rules, for instance, people needed proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative Covid test (the 3G rule) to enter places like restaurants, bars and gyms. And it was even stricter under 2G and 2G-plus rules - unvaccinated people were generally excluded.
Usually, showing proof involved presenting the CovPass or Covid-Warning app (for proof of vaccination/recovery) on a smartphone or a negative test certificate from a test centre. People also typically had to show photo ID alongside this document. Those without a smartphone could also choose to show a yellow booklet with proof of vaccination in most cases.
But when the rules are not in place, as is the case currently, there is no need to carry around or have these files.
Will I need my Covid documents in future?
Under the current infection protection laws, which are in place until September 23rd, it is possible for a state to bring in tougher entry restrictions - such as 3G or 2G - if the state parliament declares a Covid hotspot situation. That is very unlikely at the moment after all states relaxed their restrictions.
The EU digital vaccination certificate. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/dpa-Zentralbild | Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez
However, the German Health Ministry is currently putting together a plan for winter - and the government is set to extend Covid regulations. That means there is a chance that tougher restrictions will come into force in the colder months.
KEY POINTS: German Health Ministry lays out autumn Covid plan
For that reason it is best to hold onto your documents. Meanwhile, vaccination apps (and your yellow booklet) are useful to have so you can keep an eye on how many vaccinations you've had, and when you had them. The Covid-Warn app is also extremely useful for knowing if you've come into contact with someone who has Covid since you receive a red alert.
Another important point is that you may need to show proof of vaccination/recovery at short notice when travelling. That could be the case if rules change while you're travelling.
It may also be needed to travel back into Germany in future, although travel restrictions have been temporarily dropped.
READ ALSO: The Covid rules that tourists in Germany should know
A spokesman from The Health Ministry told The Local: "It is of course advisable to have a recovery certificate (or, in the case of a vaccination, a vaccination certificate) issued following an infection. However, there is no obligation to do so.
"The certificates can also be issued afterwards, e.g. if someone wants to use them for travelling abroad, and if appropriate rules are applied."
What else should I know?
From October 1st 2022, people who have not received their Covid booster vaccination (third jab) will be considered unvaccinated.
This is important to be aware of if rules like 3G or 2G are introduced again and you are trying to gain access to public venues with your health records.
Check out the article below for more details on the changes.
READ ALSO: Germany's planned changes to Covid vaccination status
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Testing centres, masks and vaccination certificates - these are a few of the things that have become part of everyday life since the pandemic started in 2020.
But as Germany has phased out most regulations - such as the 3G and 2G rules - many are wondering if they still need to have a record of this information, and if the laws around Covid certificates still exist.
Do I need to have or carry proof of my Covid vaccinations in Germany at the moment?
It's worth noting that there is no obligation to have proof of your Covid status in Germany. But it is an obligation to show it if you want to access certain facilities if there is a rule in place at the time.
Under recent rules, for instance, people needed proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative Covid test (the 3G rule) to enter places like restaurants, bars and gyms. And it was even stricter under 2G and 2G-plus rules - unvaccinated people were generally excluded.
Usually, showing proof involved presenting the CovPass or Covid-Warning app (for proof of vaccination/recovery) on a smartphone or a negative test certificate from a test centre. People also typically had to show photo ID alongside this document. Those without a smartphone could also choose to show a yellow booklet with proof of vaccination in most cases.
But when the rules are not in place, as is the case currently, there is no need to carry around or have these files.
Will I need my Covid documents in future?
Under the current infection protection laws, which are in place until September 23rd, it is possible for a state to bring in tougher entry restrictions - such as 3G or 2G - if the state parliament declares a Covid hotspot situation. That is very unlikely at the moment after all states relaxed their restrictions.
However, the German Health Ministry is currently putting together a plan for winter - and the government is set to extend Covid regulations. That means there is a chance that tougher restrictions will come into force in the colder months.
KEY POINTS: German Health Ministry lays out autumn Covid plan
For that reason it is best to hold onto your documents. Meanwhile, vaccination apps (and your yellow booklet) are useful to have so you can keep an eye on how many vaccinations you've had, and when you had them. The Covid-Warn app is also extremely useful for knowing if you've come into contact with someone who has Covid since you receive a red alert.
Another important point is that you may need to show proof of vaccination/recovery at short notice when travelling. That could be the case if rules change while you're travelling.
It may also be needed to travel back into Germany in future, although travel restrictions have been temporarily dropped.
READ ALSO: The Covid rules that tourists in Germany should know
A spokesman from The Health Ministry told The Local: "It is of course advisable to have a recovery certificate (or, in the case of a vaccination, a vaccination certificate) issued following an infection. However, there is no obligation to do so.
"The certificates can also be issued afterwards, e.g. if someone wants to use them for travelling abroad, and if appropriate rules are applied."
What else should I know?
From October 1st 2022, people who have not received their Covid booster vaccination (third jab) will be considered unvaccinated.
This is important to be aware of if rules like 3G or 2G are introduced again and you are trying to gain access to public venues with your health records.
Check out the article below for more details on the changes.
READ ALSO: Germany's planned changes to Covid vaccination status
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