| UPDATED: 21:09, Wed, Feb 17, 2021 Link copied Germany: Border closure 'highly problematic' says expert Sign up to receive our rundown of the day's top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Angela Merkel's government has banned most land travel between regions in the east and south of the country and the neighbouring Czech Republic and Austria's Tyrol, designating them "virus mutation areas." Under the new rules, only a handful of people are permitted to cross the border, including heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers. But truckers have been caught up in the chaos sparked by the travel ban and the International Road Transport Union has condemned Berlin's decision as "one-side, thoughtless and stupid" and said it would turn to Brussels for help.