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The VDMA has compiled advice and experience from various companies in the mechanical and plant engineering industry on how they can maintain production despite the pandemic.
Information about countries and travelling
Optimally informed - travel restrictions and national measures for work assignments by Corona
12.10.2020
From 11 June 2020, persons from, among others, Germany will be allowed to re-enter Turkey. The borders to the neighbouring states, with the exception of Iran, are open again.
22.10.2020
Update from 14 July: The entry ban for foreigners is valid until 30 July. Business travellers should be allowed to enter, but must undergo a corona test before departure.
08.10.2020
Coronavirus (Covid 19) Notes for Japan - Update October 8, 2020
Entry restrictions from Germany lifted on September 19 (as of 9/21/2020)
22.10.2020
UPDATE 8 August: The lockdown for the greater Buenos Aires area is to continue until 16 August. Despite massive measures the corona numbers remain high.
21.09.2020
In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in other parts of the world, China had decided to suspend the entry of foreigners holding currently valid visas or residence permits from 28 March 2020.
26.10.2020
Short-term stays possible under certain conditions without quarantine
Exceptions from the quarantine obligation are possible
Quarantine and COVID-test is not required for business trips (status: 7.9.2020)
21.08.2020
The possibility of carrying out installation and service work has been opened up. Updated on 10 August.
20.08.2020
On 01.06.2020 the Mexican government ordered a slow economic recovery in stages. Until the end of May, the national health emergency applied nationwide, prohibiting all "non-essential" activities.
20.08.2020
Business trips as well as the deployment of technicians and service personnel are strongly restricted
16.10.2020
The restrictions concerning the entry into Germany were revised at the beginning of August 2020. In addition to quarantine regulations, testing and reporting requirements now also apply.
17.08.2020
Quarantine required on return from several regions in Romania (as of 17.08.2020)
17.08.2020
Quarantine required on return from northern Spanish regions (status: 04.08.2020)
12.08.2020
Passenger form required for entry of more than 48 hours (update 12.08.2020)
04.08.2020
Entry into the UAE is only possible with a residence permit and additional permission. (Status: 23.07.2020)
25.09.2020
New provisions have been in force since 13 April. Tests after arrival remain mandatory.
17.07.2020
Natives and foreigners with residence permits can re-enter Morocco according to the Africa Association. (Status: 17.07.2020)
07.07.2020
After some relaxation, anti-corona measures were tightened again at the beginning of July. Traffic light system for arrivals from abroad.
25.08.2020
Air traffic resumed with reduced timetable. Entry still restricted.
20.08.2020
In principle, entry is again permitted for foreigners. But there are conditions. Travellers from Germany do not have to be in quarantine at present.
30.06.2020
Thanks to tough shutdowns in the past, the Covid situation in Tunisia is under control. (July 17, 2020)
26.06.2020
Die österreichische Bundesregierung will weitere Maßnahmen zur Unterstützung von Corona-betroffenen Unternehmen umsetzen. Margarete Schramböck, Bundesministerin für Digitalisierung und Wirtschaftsstandort, kündigte eine Investitionsprämie und die Möglichkeit eines Verlustrücktrags an.
23.06.2020
Presidential proclamation sees job opportunities of US-Americans threatened
For the time being, proof of valid reasons is required on entry (Status: 17.06.2020)
24.09.2020
Entry to Russia still not possible for citizens of the EU. Status September 7th.
Unlimited border traffic since 5 June 2020 (update 08.06.2020)
No quarantine on entry from Germany (as of 08.09.2020)
04.06.2020
On June 4, 2020, Austria's borders with most of the neighboring countries were reopened. For Italy and many other European countries, this applies on June 16. Additional documents and the long mandatory corona test are no longer required then. (Update June 10, 2020)
25.05.2020
The air and ferry connections have been discontinued and the borders closed. Only goods traffic is possible (status 16.07.2020).
25.05.2020
Deployment of employees to Egypt is possible. Covid tests needs to be presented when enterring the country. (Status: 01.09.2020)
25.05.2020
At the moment, there are no possibilities for employees to travel to Saudi Arabia. (Status: 29.09.2020)
05.05.2020
Government only permits activity in systemically important economic sectors
04.05.2020
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has paralyzed much of the economy in the neighboring country. The construction industry also stood still. Many companies applied for short-time work, but are now gradually restarting operations.
30.04.2020
The Austrian federal government has decided on an aid package of 38 billion euros to support the country's economy in the Corona crisis. An adapted short-time working scheme, emergency aid, liquidity guarantees, loans, guarantee programmes and fiscal measures are intended to help overcome emergencies and bottlenecks. In addition, numerous other initiatives have been launched to support companies in this difficult phase. The VDMA Austria provides an overview here (as of April 30, 2020):
15.04.2020
How can the stay in the USA be extended if the departure is delayed due to the corona crisis?
14.04.2020
Travel conditions to Southeast Asia, including business trips, are becoming increasingly restricted. The situation varies from country to country, here is a short overview (status: 01.04.2020).
06.04.2020
The number of Covid19 cases continues to rise in Africa as well. The ongoing training and education courses of the VDMA initiative are therefore currently being continued via "distance learning". Further training courses have been paused for the time being until further notice. Many African countries have already introduced relevant measures, which also affect the international economy and international trade partnerships with African countries. Below is an overview of helpful sources of information on the developments of Covid 19 in Africa.
30.03.2020
Trump is not yet easing the measures against the spread of the coronavirus. The relevant decisions will be made by the Governors anyway.
23.03.2020
Measure to stem the spread of coronavirus
12.03.2020
For residents of the Schengen States, entry into the USA is temporarily excluded. Installation and service assignments are affected.
19.03.2020
Foreign travelers are denied entry and the border with the USA is partially closed.
13.03.2020
After Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, Emilia-Romagna and the other regions in northern Italy are top locations for European mechanical engineering.
12.03.2020
Flight connections to Germany and other European countries are also affected.
05.03.2020
Measure is intended to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
28.01.2020
Since 2012, the MERS flu virus has already claimed over 800 lives. Infections are mainly related to the Gulf region.
Medical Technology
Mechanical engineering is there when you need it. In the Corona pandemic, mechanical engineering companies are launching many initiatives to help people in need worldwide.
Business topics
16.10.2020
In view of the fact that the number of COVID-19 infections is rising again nationwide shortly before the start of the cold and flu season, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has again agreed on a special regulation on sick leave by telephone.
28.09.2020
Ventilating rooms in a way that protects against infection will become increasingly important in the coming season, which is why the BAuA has published information on this subject.
15.09.2020
The new SARS-CoV-2 occupational safety rule has been published as a preliminary version on the website of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA).
11.08.2020
The preservation of production is vital for companies. What protective measures must the employer take and can the presumed effect be assumed?
09.07.2020
On 7 July, the Recommendation for Wearing Time Limitations when Wearing Mouth Nose Cover (MNB) or Mouth Nose Protector (MNS) was published, which employers can use in risk assessment.
01.07.2020
It is expected that the Corona bridging allowance can be applied for on July 8 via the funding portals. For companies that have experienced a significant downturn in their business activities in recent months, there is only a short window of time until the end of September to apply. A calculation tool for the bridging allowance is available for download.
23.06.2020
It is not yet clear which rules will soon apply to exhibition stands. Unfortunately, there will not be nationwide uniform regulations. But there are recommendations for action by the FAMAB. Exhibitors should not let themselves be unsettled now and should wait with decisions until the concrete conditions for their trade fairs have been established.
20.05.2020
Biggest challenge: lack of digitization strategy and postponement of digitization projects; mechanical engineering well positioned in production-related digitization; portfolio adjustments: Establishment of new business models
18.05.2020
On May 14, 2020, the Bundestag decided, among other things, to gradually increase the short-time working allowance.
18.05.2020
By decision of 14 May 2020, the temporary derogation from the obligation to make a declaration of incapacity to work by telephone was again extended. This was decided by the responsible Federal Joint Committee for Statutory Health Insurance.
08.05.2020
The English edition is available for download.
Corona continues to have a firm grip on us, the effects on personnel recruitment and the need for young people are uncertain. Your help is therefore required - please let us know our assessments by 8 May 2020.
04.05.2020
Short-time work, home office, sick leave and the opportunities of the crisis. Here you can read an overview of the assessments of the HR managers in our industry. In the download you will find the complete presentation of the results.
06.10.2020
In the current situation on-site assessments are cancelled or replaced by remote audits where possible. For example, the DAkkS is currently no longer carrying out on-site assessments and the conformity assessment bodies are currently examining how they can maintain certification operations.
17.04.2020
Special occupational health and safety standards have been issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for the period of the Covid19 pandemic.
20.04.2020
The loan conditions of KfW Corona Aid were adjusted and improved at short notice.
16.04.2020
At the end of March, the European Competition Network (ECN) published a joint statement in which the continued validity of antitrust law was pointed out, but also the flexibility of antitrust law in view of the current Covid 19 crisis.
16.04.2020
Many VDMA members are currently being asked to provide their business partners with declarations that they operate an "essential production". This raises questions as to why the VDMA has prepared a memo on this topic.
News from politics
VDMA strongly advocates within politicians for cushioning the temporary and severe shock for the mechanical engineering industry as best as possible.
15.07.2020
The Federal Statistical Office is registering rising unemployment in the manufacturing industry - from the point of view of the VDMA, the Federal Government must draw the consequence from this to facilitate employment.
02.07.2020
On 29 June 2020, the EU Commission amended and extended the Temporary Framework for a third time to enable Member States to safeguard jobs and support the economy in the Corona crisis. VDMA summarises the Temporary Framework for State aid.
27.05.2020
The German mechanical and plant engineering industry is severely affected by the consequences of the Corona pandemic. The national solo efforts and border closures of the EU member states have further exacerbated the economic difficulties. Disrupted supply chains, slumps in incoming orders and liquidity bottlenecks are just some of the direct consequences. The economy needs a fresh start, based on improved competitive conditions, investment and innovation.
27.05.2020
The EU Commission has adapted its work programme and presented a plan for economic recovery after the Corona crisis.
18.05.2020
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Research wants to support the production sector in adapting and digitising production lines. To this end, the EU Commission has announced two calls for proposals for this week (week 21).
14.05.2020
The EU-Commission published on 13 May 2020 a so-called tourism and transport package. One aim is to help the EU Member States in gradually lifting the travel restrictions imposed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
08.05.2020
The outbreak of the corona pandemic has also affected the mechanical engineering industry. In the new 5-point plan, VDMA summarises its main demands for a solid, stable and secure European future.
24.04.2020
The adjustment of the tax loss carry-forward gives companies some breathing space, but only provides limited help to medium-sized mechanical engineering companies.
20.04.2020
The extension of the short-time working benefits meets an important requirement of the VDMA, which will provide noticeable relief and planning security for small and medium-sized companies.
20.04.2020
In cooperation with the EU member states, the EU Commission is organising a pan-European hackathon during the weekend (24-26.4.) on the occasion of the coronavirus crisis.
15.04.2020
The measures to combat the corona pandemic must be implemented with consistence. This applies in particular to quarantine rules for persons entering Germany for professional reasons. There must be a smooth, uniform European procedure in this field.
14.04.2020
The Grand Coalition wants to extend the period for which employees can receive short-time work benefits beyond 12 months. Many mechanical engineering companies could benefit from this. The government is thus fulfilling an important demand of the VDMA.
31.03.2020
The EU Commission has published recommendations on cross-border activities to ensure the free movement of workers during the Corona crisis.
01.04.2020
What the VDMA is doing in the political arena
02.04.2020
COVID-19 is a burden on mechanical and plant engineering, as well as other branches of industry. Companies acutely need liquidity to cope with the consequences of the pandemic and to bridge the time until demand resumes. In order to ensure basic supplies and keep the damage to a minimum, economic life must be maintained - where this is justifiable in terms of health policy. The recovery after the crisis must be accompanied by economic policy.
27.03.2020
After numerous Member States have closed their national borders in recent weeks, the EU Commission is now launching an initiative to protect the Internal Market.
26.03.2020
The Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF) serves to cushion the economic effects of the corona pandemic on companies in the real economy. The VDMA makes a classification for this.
26.03.2020
VDMA demands that State credit insurers must be allowed to resume operations if the private market fails. Private export credit insurances are in particular relevant for the European business of the mechanical engineering industry.
26.03.2020
"Can I take advantage of the emergency aid proposed by Germany´s Federal Government in the Economic Stabilization Fund?" This question is currently being asked in particular by many mechanical engineering companies that have been struggling with declining orders for some time.
VDMA State Associations
06.07.2020
The federal and state governments support the companies with support measures - for example, bridging aid, liquidity assistance or guarantees. Here you will find an updated overview of these offers.
For your information and convenience, we have compiled an overview and the corresponding contact details and web addresses below. We hope that this will help you in your work. If you have any questions or general queries or concerns during this difficult period, please do not hesitate to contact us.
21.07.2020
All information specific to the state of Hesse has been compiled on a single Internet site for all departments. Among other things, all ordinances and general ordinances on combating the corona virus are available here at a glance and as downloads.
25.03.2020
Liquidity assistance, information, contact persons, support programmes and much more: in connection with the corona virus, each federal state has compiled regionally specific information and contact points for companies - partly with its own funds, partly for the implementation and design of the programmes set up by the federal government.
Various information portals are available to member companies for dealing with the corona pandemic: in addition to a central VDMA website, the North Rhine-Westphalia regional association also offers a constantly updated website with NRW-specific information.
VDMA Nordrhein-Westfalen & Dr. Wieselhuber & Partner GmbH offer VDMA member companies consulting services for securing liquidity in the crisis.
The "Procurement" task force of the NRW ministries coordinates inquiries and offers via a central e-mail address.
10.07.2020
The worldwide spread of the corona virus (2019-nCoV) also leads to numerous questions for companies. The Ministry of Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture publishes important information and contact persons for affected companies.
28.07.2020
The Saarland state government is expanding its package of measures to help Saarland companies in the Corona crisis.
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Survey on the consequences of the Corona pandemic on trade fair activities
Development of production capacities for infection control equipment
Helpful Informations
Federal Foreign Office
Corona crisis: short time allowance
KfW Corona support for companies
Government support for industry
Überbrückungshilfe Mittelstand
Government support "go-digital"
Corona: world market impact
Robert Koch Institut
Corporate pandemic planning
Operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems
Trade Fair Association AUMA
Data protection in the Corona crisis context
Information given by DAkkS
Frank Brückner
VDMA Communications, Deputy Spokesperson
+49 69 66 03-11 56
+49 69 66 03-21 56
frank.brueckner@vdma.org
Oliver Richtberg
Assistant to the Executive Director
+49 69 6603-1633
+49 69 6603-2633
oliver.richtberg@vdma.org