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In general, a strict lockdown takes effect from today and at least until January 10 throughout Germany, following the failure of the “partial lockdown” implemented since November 2 to curb the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
For two “very tough” months, in January and February, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned.
A few days before Christmas, the retail stores, which were open until now, suspend their operation, with the exception of those that sell “absolutely necessary” items: pharmacies, supermarkets, kiosks and postal services, grocery stores and animal care, as well like seasonal stores. As of today, hair salons, beauty salons, tattoo studios are also closing, while catering companies, which operate only to deliver packaged food, entertainment, culture and sports venues remain closed anyway from the beginning of November. Private clinics, work-speech and physiotherapy and podiatry centers continue to operate.
To this day, the consumption of alcohol in public places is still prohibited, a measure that at this time mainly affects the mulled wine available in the traditional open-air Christmas markets, which will remain closed. The exceptions will be some markets that have chosen to operate with a “drive-through” system.
Schools, which would normally close on December 21 or 23, are closing as of today, and the state urges students to stay home as long as possible before reuniting with family or friends for the holidays. At these meetings, however, up to five people are allowed to gather, excluding children under 14 years of age. The planned easing of restrictions for the period from December 23 to January 2 has certainly been canceled.
Political and health authorities also demand “unnecessary” travel, either within or outside the country, and anyone returning from abroad must remain in a ten-day quarantine or a five-day quarantine if tested. negative. However, despite strict persuasions, said a representative from Munich airport, about 200,000 passengers are expected between December 18 and January 10, with destinations mainly in southern Germany, but also abroad. Of course, in the corresponding period last year, this airport served about 120,000 passengers a day.
The churches will be able to function during the holidays, but only to the extent that it is possible to observe the minimum distance of 1.5 meters between the faithful, and always with the use of a protective mask.
In many of the 16 L, nder, such as Bavaria, Thuringia and Brandenburg, additional measures have already been taken, notably a curfew in the afternoon and early morning hours. In Bavaria, where the pandemic is particularly high, the restriction is imposed from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and the fine for its violation starts from 500 euros.
For New Year’s Eve, it has already been announced that gatherings are prohibited, while the sale of sparklers has been suspended. Although, according to a report in the daily Bild, many Germans rushed to get them out of neighboring Poland.
Yesterday, on the last market day, in many parts of Germany, queues formed in stores, of consumers wanting to make last minute purchases. However, according to the director of the German Chamber of Commerce, Stefan Gedt, the situation at the end of the year “will be a fiasco for many entrepreneurs.” Overall, it is estimated that retail billing will decrease 8% this year compared to last year. At the same time, the courier company of the German Post (DHL) expects an increase in the number of packages to be delivered by 20% compared to 2019.
Yesterday, Angela Merkel, during a teleconference with the Parliamentary Group (CDU) of her party, spoke of two “very hard” months to come, while saying she was “worried” about the situation, urging the public not to ask for exceptions. restrictions currently in force, such as “so we will have to stay locked up longer.” He even expressed hope that the increase in traffic in the market in recent days will not lead once again to an outbreak of cases of the new coronavirus.
The “patience” of the public was again demanded last night by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, stressing that “if we lose patience now, the virus will control us for a long time.” However, he said his personal hope stems from the common sense and solidarity shown by the majority of citizens in dealing with the pandemic.
Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ
