28/11/2020
Germany extends lockdown, adds restrictions:
Below are the main points as reported by German media from yesterday’s Coronavirus Council meeting between the German Chancellor and Minister Presidents to continue the current lockdown into January and increase some additional measures. Another meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15 to re-evaluate the situation and determine if modifications need to be made.
- The government and states have agreed to tighten contact rules. Effective Dec. 1, only five adults from a maximum of two households will be allowed to meet (down from 10 people currently). Children under 14 are excluded from this rule.
- From Dec. 23 – Jan. 1, the rules will be temporarily relaxed for the holidays. During this time meetings with a maximum of 10 people are allowed, regardless of the households involved. Again, children up to age 14 are not counted.
- Although the use of fireworks is prohibited in busy squares and streets in order to avoid larger group formations, there will not be a general ban on fireworks, which had previously been discussed. The government and states "recommend" that people "refrain from New Year's Eve fireworks."
- The obligation to wear face masks is extended and will also apply to the areas outside shops as well as car parks. "The population is encouraged to do their Christmas shopping during the week if possible," says the decision paper. Shops will also have stricter social distancing rules.
- Bars, restaurants, leisure and cultural facilities will remain shut. Overnight accommodations will continue to be provided only for non-tourist purposes. For facilities having to stay closed the government plans to provide further aid.
- Ski holidays should be avoided until Jan. 10. Germany is coordinating this with other EU countries.
- In order to make travel safer, the number of occupied seats in trains is to be reduced significantly. For the winter months, people will only be allowed to book window seats. At the same time, however, the capacity of the trains will be increased with extra carriages to allow for more available seating.
- The mandatory quarantine period is to be reduced from 14 to 10 days. This is due to the "increased availability of rapid antigen tests." This will reduce the burden on citizens and public health authorities, according to the government and states.
- To limit commuting and workspace interactions, companies are encouraged to allow employees to work from home if the job can be accomplished this way, or they should ensure company holidays are possible from Dec. 23 – Jan. 1.
- As planned, schools and kindergartens will remain open during the shutdown. Nationwide, the Christmas holidays are to begin Dec. 19.
-- Individual States will be able to decide whether to relax or tighten future measures, depending on the state’s infection rates.
-- Rheinland-Pfalz Minister President Malu Dreyer further announced an increase on protection in nursing and care homes: Visiting is to be restricted to one or max. two people of one household per day. Visitors are required to wear FFP2 masks for high-risk groups. Staff is required to be tested every week.