Germany will no longer impose compulsory quarantines on people infected with the coronavirus from May 1, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said.

Isolation remains “strongly recommended”, said Lauterbach, but he added that it will from next month be done “on a voluntary basis”.

“The current rules work but (it) is not necessary in the long term,” he said. The only exceptions are employees of medical institutions, who must continue to isolate for five days if they catch the virus, he said.

Infection numbers in Germany remain high, but with most cases reported to be mild, hospitals have not been overwhelmed, AFP reports.

This file photo shows a 85-year-old man receiving a booster vaccination in the so called “vaccination express” tram in central Frankfurt, Nov 4, 2021.
This file photo shows a 85-year-old man receiving a booster vaccination in the so called “vaccination express” tram in central Frankfurt, Nov 4, 2021.

Opinion

Editorial

Battling hate
Updated 15 Mar, 2026

Battling hate

In the current scenario, geopolitical conflict, racial prejudice and religious bigotry all contribute to the threats Muslims face.
TB drugs shortage
15 Mar, 2026

TB drugs shortage

‘CRIMINAL negligence’ is the phrase that jumps to mind when one considers the disturbing consequences of the...
Chinese diplomacy
Updated 14 Mar, 2026

Chinese diplomacy

THERE are signs that China is taking a more active role in trying to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism...
Fragile gains at risk
14 Mar, 2026

Fragile gains at risk

PAKISTAN is confronting an external shock stemming from the US-Israel war on Iran that few of the other affected...
Kidney disease
14 Mar, 2026

Kidney disease

ON World Kidney Day this past Thursday, the Pakistan Medical Association raised the alarm on Pakistan’s...
Delicate balance
Updated 13 Mar, 2026

Delicate balance

PAKISTAN has to maintain a delicate balance where the geopolitics of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran are...