ARD-DeutschlandTrend Extra: Most consider blocking appropriate

The majority of Germans are in favor of the new blockade. That was the result of a poll for the ARD Germany Trend. But many families and young adults feel very stressed by the situation.

Von Ellen Ehni, WDR

Since yesterday, a large part of public life in Germany has been closed again. These stricter measures, which are aimed at containing the corona pandemic, have the support of the majority of citizens: 69 percent, that is, two-thirds, consider that the current measures are appropriate. That has a representative survey by infratest dimap for the ARD Germany trend Extra Surrender.

Two weeks ago, when stores and schools were still open as usual, fewer people thought the measures were appropriate: 53 percent or just over one in two. In early December, 27 percent also found that the measures taken at the time went too far. Now only 14 percent say that about the strictest measures. The share of those who think the measures don’t go far enough has stayed roughly the same: 16 percent mean it and 18 percent two weeks ago.

Most feel no burden

A majority of 64 percent of citizens say that restrictions are less of a burden or that they do not bear them. Last April, 69 percent felt that way. At the time, 31 percent said the restrictions put great pressure on them. That’s a bit more now, that is, 36 percent.

If you look only at households with school-age children, up to 44 percent of citizens say they feel very or very burdened. A higher than average number of people between the ages of 18 and 39 also feel stressed (45 percent), while only 27 percent of those over 65 say they are very or very stressed.

Acceptance of conditions on New Year’s Eve

Among the specific measures, the prohibition of alcohol consumption found wide approval among respondents (86 percent agree, 12 percent disagree), as did the prohibition of gatherings and fireworks in public places on New Years Eve and New Years. (85 percent agree, 15 percent disagree). The closure of retail and service businesses with the exception of stores for daily necessities is in favor of 67 percent and 30 percent are against.

The restriction of child care by day care centers is approved by 56 percent, 36 percent are against. Germans are divided on the fact that religious services are allowed if a minimum distance of 1.50 meters is maintained and masks are worn: 50 percent support it, 47 percent reject it.

Many see poorly prepared schools

With some exceptions, face-to-face teaching will be discontinued in schools in the coming weeks and so-called distance learning will take place from home. This is in favor of 68 percent of all respondents; 27 percent reject it. Among respondents with school-age children living at home, approval for this measure is less than 56 percent; 42 percent of them reject this measure.

When asked how well schools and teachers are prepared to teach from home, there is also a difference. Among those with school-age children at home, 28 percent believe that schools are very well or well prepared for the situation; 70 percent believe that schools are less prepared or poorly prepared. Of those without school-age children in the home, 13 percent believe the schools are very well or well prepared. 73 percent think schools are worse or poorly prepared, 14 percent did not comment.

Few contacts on holidays

With a view to the Christmas holidays, some people have apparently changed their plans in recent days: currently, 24 percent plan to severely limit their contacts with relatives or visits (+5 percentage points compared to the previous week), 36 percent plan to severely limit this (+6).

On the other hand, only 23 percent want to restrict family contacts and visits on Christmas days with less force (-8) and 14 percent do not want to (-4) Among young people between 18 and 39 years old, the 71 percent say they want to limit themselves very strongly or strongly in this regard.