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For seven days, more than 10,000 people have been infected with Covid-19 in Germany every day, and the trend is increasing. To stop this development, the federal and state governments agree to new restrictions that are now in effect. However, the measures of the federal states differ in part.
The good news comes first: in principle, children and young people can go to nurseries and schools. The stores are open to anyone who wants to buy. Be it laundry, tailoring or tax consultant, everyday life goes on, albeit at a distance, masks and restrictions in places where crown outbreaks can occur.
Restaurants nationwide, bars, museums, swimming pools, gyms, climbing halls, cinemas, theaters, operas, in short: places where people like to spend their free time when they want to go out. And this now, when the parks are slowly damp and cold and it gets dark early. There are also strict regulations on how many people can meet, inside and outside. As always, it is the federal states that issue such rules, so there are differences. But unlike the last few weeks, this time it should be uniform throughout Germany.
Why is there a partial blockage?
The number of corona infections is increasing, and more and more people are getting seriously ill. Many health authorities are no longer able to trace the contacts of infected people. Before the healthcare system becomes overloaded and the situation spirals out of control, there should be a “breakwater”: four weeks of strict restrictions with the aim of reducing the number of personal contacts. Unlike spring, this time the politicians want to keep kindergartens and schools open and protect the economy as much as possible. What remains is the leisure and culture sector, which is particularly affected.
Who can meet now?
That depends on where you live. In principle, the federal and state governments have decided that only members of two “households” can meet in public, that is, two apartments, and a maximum of ten people in total. The groups of people celebrating in the apartments are “unacceptable”. That leaves room for maneuver. One thing is for sure: the rule applies to individual meetings; no need to look for a “partner home” to meet this for four weeks.
Hamburg and Berlin, for example, do not want children under the age of twelve to count towards the two-household rule. Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria also want to use this rule for private meetings. In Bremen, two households should be allowed to meet outdoors, but also up to five people who do not live together. In Saxony, members of two households or one household and five other people, also from different households, can meet.
What if family or friends need help?
In principle, citizens should avoid “unnecessary” travel and visits as much as possible; it may be necessary to help the mother or grandfather who fell down the stairs. This also applies to visits to hospitals, the elderly, and nursing homes. Different rules apply here. The federal and state governments have emphasized that this should not lead to “complete social isolation” of those affected. There should be rapid corona tests for patients and residents, staff and visitors as soon as possible. Youth and Social Welfare and Counseling Centers are also open to intercept or prevent emergencies as much as possible.
Can you still eat, drink and party?
No. Restaurants, bars and pubs can no longer receive guests. Clubs and discos are usually closed from March anyway and must remain closed. Delivery services and takeout sales are still allowed, and that was mostly the case in the spring. For the catering industry, however, this is at best a consolation: it protests violently against the mandatory pause. After all, many have invested in hygiene concepts in order to safely entertain their guests. The dining rooms remain open.
And the sport?
Professional sports, such as the Bundesliga, have to again do without spectators. Many more people are likely to be affected by the fact that gyms, swimming pools and amusement pools and other sports facilities have to close. Most amateur sports are also being phased out, so clubs can no longer train. Individual sports, such as jogging, walking or inline skating, alone or in pairs or with your own home, are still allowed. Here there are also exceptions, Berlin wants to allow children up to twelve years of age to train outdoors in fixed groups of up to ten people.
What else is closing?
Almost everything where people can have fun or relax in their spare time: theaters, operas, concert halls, cinemas, amusement parks, saunas, game rooms, casinos, gambling houses, dance schools, brothels. But the details are worth looking at. For example, while in Saxony-Anhalt at least the outdoor areas of the zoos remain open, the Cologne and Stuttgart zoos are closing. Church services and demonstrations are not mentioned in the federal-state resolution; as a rule, they must remain permitted, subject to conditions. Some states keep libraries, primary schools or music schools open, Thuringia, at least partially, also museums; it’s worth taking a look at the regulations in your home state.
Can you still go to the hairdresser?
Yes, the hairdressing salons can remain open; Subject to certain conditions, the “Corona mat” remains a springtime phenomenon. But other services have to fail. Beauty salons, massage practices, tattoo parlors, etc. Medically necessary treatments are still possible, for example in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, as well as in medical foot care. Saxony-Anhalt also wants to keep the cosmetic and tanning studios, the cosmetic and nail studios in Thuringia open.
Can you still travel?
You should just let it be if possible, and it will also be quite difficult. As of Monday, hotels and other accommodations can no longer accept tourists. In many countries, tourists already there have to pack their bags and leave on or shortly after November 2. But politicians also strongly discourage day trips.
Does this all really only apply in November?
First yes. After two weeks, the federal and state governments want to consult again to make the “necessary adjustments.” Some politicians are already admitting that, of course, there is no guarantee that the restrictions will actually be limited to November.
