Changes in Government Measures as from 11 January 2022

Dear clients and business partners,

In this newsletter, we would like to inform you about the latest developments in anti-epidemic measures. The measures listed below are valid from Tuesday, 11 January.

REDUCTION OF QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION PERIODS

– Quarantine and isolation periods applicable in cases of suspected infection with COVID-19 are currently set at 14 days. Based on a methodological guideline on quarantine and isolation, this period will now be reduced to 5 days from the date of the first positive test.

– However, this shorter isolation will apply to a wider circle of persons, also including those who have been fully vaccinated, if they come into a risky contact with an infected person. Isolation will even be required for asymptomatic people with a positive antigen test, unless and until they receive a negative PCR test. Those whose quarantine and isolation has ended will have to wear a respirator for the next 5 days.

MANDATORY TESTING OF EMPLOYEES

– Preventive mandatory testing of employees and other workers was already in place before the end of last year. From 17 January, this testing will be extended in terms of shortened time intervals between the tests and also of the scope of employees to whom this obligation will newly apply.

– Testing will be mandatory for employees once every three days or twice a week. If an employee refuses to undergo a test, the employer will have to report this fact to the competent public health station without undue delay. In such a case, the employee will also be required to wear a respirator at the workplace, to keep a distance of 1.5 metres from other persons if this is possible in view of the nature of the work, and to eat separately from other employees.

Employee testing will newly cover all private and public companies and organisations, self-employed persons and company directors. By way of exception, it will not apply to those who do not meet anyone at work, such as people working from home.

– A test is also not required of anyone who:

• has a negative PCR test performed within the last 72 hours (the employees will prove this by presenting the relevant certificate);
• has a negative AG test performed by a healthcare worker within the last 24 hours (again proven by the relevant certificate);
• undergoes preventive self-tests at another employer (proven by a written confirmation).

If you believe we can help you in any way, not only in relation to changes in government measures, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Your LTA team

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