Coronavirus
Lockdown: These are the new rules
Angela Merkel is now leaving the federal states to decide how to deal with the lockdown on many points
The federal and state governments have agreed to extend the lockdown in Germany until March 7th.
The federal and state governments have agreed to extend the lockdown in Germany until March 7th. Hotels, restaurants and most shops should remain closed until then. The main reason for the extension of the lockdown is concern about the spread of virus variants. This requires "considerable additional efforts to reduce the number of infections again," it says. Therefore, the contact restrictions would have to be maintained in principle in the next few weeks.
Keep as few contacts as possible
Unnecessary private trips and visits should continue to be avoided. According to Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, the reopening of schools and daycare centers remains a matter for the federal states. The countries would decide on their own responsibility, said Merkel. In Berlin, for example, the primary schools are to gradually return to face-to-face classes from February 22nd. Teachers and educators may be vaccinated earlier. Corresponding possibilities should be examined.
Hairdressers are allowed to reopen
Hairdressing businesses can resume operations from March 1, 2021 subject to certain conditions. This is justified with "the importance of hairdressers for personal hygiene". The next opening steps should take place with a stable 7-day incidence of 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants through the federal states. This step should then include the opening of the retail trade, museums, galleries and the still closed body-oriented service companies. On March 3, Merkel and the heads of government of the federal states want to discuss how to proceed again.