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Crown crisis
Merkel: masks are “highly recommended” when buying
April 15, 2020 7:17 PM The |
dpa, rtr, t-online.de, dru
The federal government and the federal states want to exercise caution in the crown crisis. The current severe restrictions are being extended. But in other places there should be relief.
Strict contact restrictions in the fight against the coronavirus in Germany remain for the time being. Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) announced this after a conference call between the federal government and the prime ministers of the federal states in Berlin. According to a decision made, this should initially apply until May 3. Until then, schools will remain closed. However, there should be some relief in trading.
The chancellor said that something had been accomplished that could not have been foreseen from the beginning. Hospitals, doctors, and nurses were not overworked. But that was only an intermediate success, “a fragile intermediate success,” Merkel warned. There should be no false rush, there is still no vaccine. You have to be very careful. At the same time, the chancellor thanked the citizens for largely complying with the restrictions.
Across the country, strict rules have been in place for three and a half weeks to maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters in public and just to be alone, with someone who does not live in the home, or with members of your own home. This measure will last for another two and a half weeks. Violations will continue to be punished, Merkel said.
In addition to the chancellor, Deputy Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) also attended the press conference in Berlin. The Munich head of government emphasized that it was now important to exercise caution and work step by step. Then you can check what the individual steps did. “Slower brings more success than a hectic pace, also for the economy,” said Söder.
Everyday masks in stores “highly recommended”
Stores with a sales area of up to 800 square meters should open first, which is about the size of a medium-size supermarket or shoe store. Regardless of size, book, car, and bicycle dealerships must also open. Hairdressers should prepare for an early opening from May 4.
All stores are subject to hygiene, access control and queuing avoidance. Supermarkets have been allowed to remain open until now. The closure of businesses due to the Corona crisis is strongly affecting the economy. Private consumption plummeted.
For better protection, the use of so-called everyday masks is “highly recommended” when shopping and on public transportation, Merkel said. However, there should be no general obligation to wear a mask. According to the Ministry of Health, everyday masks are used to protect others from infection. Special masks that also protect the user should be reserved for medical personnel.
Starting May 4, schools will gradually reopen. t-online.de had already reported on this. Priority would be given to graduation classes, the highest elementary school classes, and those taking the exams next year. The next exams are possible in advance. Other things, such as nurseries, remained, Söder explained. It is not reasonable to expect young children to wear a face mask.
Chancellor Merkel said on the subject: “I know how many people in Germany are currently following this discussion. Because, of course, it is a very, very difficult situation for parents.” In order to protect human life, one has to “proceed very carefully, step by step”. Concepts for breaks and school buses are needed. “Then there will be a lot of logistical effort involved, and therefore intensive preparation is required.”
