Covid-19: Germany declares Noord- & Zuid-Holland 'risk areas'

The increasing number of coronavirus infections in the Netherlands prompted Germany to declare the provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland "risk areas". This means that travelers from these two provinces will have to get a coronavirus test when arriving in Germany, and quarantine for 14 days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Germany's criteria for a risk area is more than 50 new coronavirus infections per 100,000 residents in the past seven days, according to ANP. Vienna and Budapest were also added to the country's list of risk areas.

The 'risk area' designation is not a travel ban, but Germany hopes that it has a deterring effect.

On Wednesday, Belgium announced that Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland will be added to the country's list of 'Red Zones' on Friday. This means that travelers from these provinces will be subjected to a mandatory Covid-19 test and quarantine upon arrival in the country.