In view of the sharp rise in the number of infections in Germany, the federal and state governments held a crisis conference to discuss new measures in the fight against corona. The decisions of the government at a glance.
The corona situation in Germany has been worsening for days. With 14,964 new infections confirmed on Wednesday (October 28), the Robert Koch Institute reported the highest increase within 24 hours since the outbreak of the pandemic. The Chancellor sees an urgent need for action and therefore discussed new nationwide measures in a special conference with the Prime Minister to slow the increase in infections. The following resolutions should come into force on November 2nd.
The planned measures at a glance
Massive contact restrictions
In both public and private settings, a maximum of ten people from a maximum of two households may meet, provided there is no need for the meeting (professional obligations, benefits, etc.) We must maintain the minimum distance of 1.5 meters known to us from all other people (i.e. from third-party households).
Closure of pubs and restaurants
Restaurants, bars, clubs and similar establishments are no longer allowed to receive guests, but are only allowed to offer food for consumption outside the home.
Where possible, working from home
Anyone who can do their job from home should definitely do so again from next week. Companies are encouraged to enable their employees to work from home.
Ban on accommodation for tourists
Offering tourist overnight stays is prohibited for the time being from November 2nd. Hotels and similar accommodation facilities may only make their rooms available for necessary trips.
Restrictions in the leisure area
The federal government also wants to completely ban events such as concerts, cinema, theater and shows in November. Fitness studios and sports facilities also have to close again for the time being. Professional sports events such as Bundesliga games may only take place without spectators. Shops in the field of personal care such as massage practices, beauty salons, tattoo studios and the like have to temporarily shut down, but hairdressing salons may remain open in compliance with the applicable hygiene regulations.
Educational institutions
A renewed closure of schools and daycare centers is apparently not currently planned and should be prevented with the help of other measures if possible.
In order to monitor compliance with the rules and contact restrictions, the so-called veil manhunt by the federal police is to be expanded. On November 11th, the Chancellor and the country leaders will examine the measures decided on October 28th, compare them with the current data and adjust them if necessary.
Sources used: tagesschau.de, bild.de, stern.de