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This article will be continually updated.
Due to the sharp increase in crown numbers, public life in Germany will be closed again from Wednesday. The previous measures were not enough, said Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) after consultations with the prime ministers of the federal states. “We are obliged to act and we are acting now.”
According to Merkel, most stores will be closed from Wednesday to at least January 10; Only grocery stores and essential daily necessities will remain open. Hair salons also have to close. Schools will also be closed, and younger children should be cared for at home if possible. “The goal remains to be able to trace contacts again,” the foreign minister emphasized. Therefore, incidences of 50 in seven days (new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days) or less would have to be reached again.
Exceptional rule for Christmas
The above contact restrictions are maintained: a maximum of five people from two households is allowed to meet, plus associated children under 14 years of age. Only during Christmas days, from December 24 to 26, four other people from the closest relatives are allowed to join their own home, that is, parents, children, siblings. “All citizens are asked to reduce the number of contacts seven days in advance if possible,” Merkel said, “in other words, a week of protection.” Church services should only be possible under strict conditions.
(Editor’s note: The first version of this article mentioned a maximum of nine people at Christmas. That would only be the case in a household of five. Rather, the rule for Christmas is: own home plus four close relatives from other households .)
New Year’s rockets and firecrackers cannot be sold
This relaxation of contact restrictions will no longer apply for New Years Eve. The sale of pyrotechnics is prohibited. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder said: “It will be a quiet New Year’s Eve.”
