Nuclear phase-out, 49-euro ticket and Co.
Spring brings these changes with it in April
© Skyview / Adobe Stock
And another month is over and a new one is just around the corner – April not only brings spring with it, but also has one or the other change in its luggage. Nuclear power plants go offline, the 49-euro ticket comes and almost all Corona rules come to an end.
The beginning of spring, the time change and it’s April again. Hopefully we will be spared from further crazy weather attacks, after all April does what it wants. Also this month there are some innovations on the schedule. We have put together all the relevant changes for April for you.
Start of sales for the 49-euro ticket
After long discussions, it’s finally time for the start: the 49-euro ticket. Sales are scheduled to officially start on April 3rd. But we can only use it from May 1st. From then on, customers can use it nationwide on local and regional buses and trains.
The nuclear phase-out
The remaining nuclear power plants in Germany will be shut down in mid-April. Originally, the shutdown was planned much earlier. The Neckarwestheim 2, Isar 2 and Emsland power plants were originally scheduled to go offline at the end of 2022. The traffic light decided last year to let the nuclear power plants run beyond the end of the year in order to ensure security of supply during the energy crisis.
Almost all Corona rules are expiring
Visitors only have to wear a mask in practices, nursing homes and clinics until April 7th. The mask requirement for employees and residents fell in March.
More net salary from April
For employees and civil servants, the processes for wage tax deduction are changing. From April 1st you will receive more net salary with the same gross salary. All employers must take into account higher tax allowances for employees. The lump sum for employees is raised to 1,230 euros and the relief amount for single parents is set at 4,260 euros. So less tax is paid and a little more net salary is paid out.
Blood donation from homosexual men
Homosexual men should no longer be excluded from donating blood across the board. The amended Transfusion Act expressly states that sexual orientation must not be taken into account when deciding on a possible exclusion. The same rule applies to trans people. Nonetheless, sexual activity continues to play a role. Men with frequently changing sex partners are still not allowed to donate blood. This is checked by self-assessment using a questionnaire.
Painters and varnishers receive a wage increase
From April, painters and varnishers can look forward to a higher income. The current collective agreement has been in effect since the beginning of the year and provides for several increases. From April 1st, the minimum wage I, which helpers are entitled to, for example, will be 12.50 euros. The minimum wage II is increased to 14.50 euros. In the construction industry, you can also look forward to increases. While wages in the west will rise by 2 percent, workers in the east will receive 2.7 percent more wages.
Attention train passengers
Deutsche Bahn announced that the renovation of the Kassel-Fulda high-speed line will start on April 1st. 163 kilometers of track and 70 switches are to be renewed on the route. All trains are diverted. Construction work is scheduled to last until December 9th.
Arlberg tunnel closed in Austria
Information is particularly important for vacationers in April. If you are traveling by car in Austria, there could be major detours. The Arlberg Tunnel, Austria’s longest road tunnel, will be closed for around six months from April 24 due to renovation work. So more time should also be planned for the summer vacation in Austria.
Leipzig Book Fair takes place again
The book fair has been canceled for three years due to corona, this year it will finally take place again – from April 27th to 30th, readers, authors and publishers will be able to talk to each other. The guest country this year is Austria.
The “crime scene” gets a new cast
For many, a Sunday evening without a crime scene is not the right way to end the weekend. Now a new commissioner is starting. Corinna Harfouch takes over in Berlin, she will determine the future successor to Meret Becker together with Mark Waschke. The first two episodes are scheduled to air at Easter (April 9th and 10th).
Sources used: dpa.de, finanzen.net, utopia.de