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8 changes in Germany in November 2020

From November 2020, new regulations come into force in Germany that are worth knowing about. Here’s what’s changing.

Limits related to the spread of the coronavirus in Germany

The federal government wants to contain the growing number of coronavirus infections in Germany by introducing drastic restrictions. The new restrictions are to come into force on Monday, November 2 2020 . The restrictions will be in force until the end of November . On November 11, during Angela Merkel’s next meeting with the presidents of the federal states.

Here’s what’s changing in Germany from November 2 2020?

Contact restrictions:  As of November 2, only members of two households may be together in public places, but the number of people at such meetings may not exceed 10 people.

Moreover, it is advisable to refrain from “unnecessary” private travel. This also applies to visits by relatives. Hotels and boarding houses can no longer receive tourists. The offer of hotels and guesthouses will only apply to business trips. 

Gastronomy:  It has been agreed to close the eating places (restaurants, bars, pubs) by the end of November. Take-away and home deliveries will be excluded from the restriction. Canteens will remain open.

Retail:  Shops and wholesalers will remain open. Shops will not be able to accommodate more than one person in 10, and not 25 square meters of space as originally wanted.

Remote work:  In light of the high number of coronavirus infections, the federal government and federal presidents are calling on companies to allow their employees to work from home – wherever it can be implemented.

Sports: Sports  facilities such as swimming pools, fitness and leisure clubs remain closed. Individual sports, such as running alone or in pairs, are allowed. Bundesliga matches are allowed without spectators in the stands.

Culture and entertainment:  Theaters, cinemas, theme parks, operas, concert halls, arcades and betting shops close.

Cosmetic factories, massage parlors and tattoo studios are also closed  . Hairdressing salons and physiotherapy offices remain open.

Church services:  Despite the increasing number of coronavirus infections in Germany, it was not decided to ban church services.

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Use of chemicals in textiles and footwear

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is responsible for the implementation of European legislation on the use of chemicals. From November 1, 2020, further restrictions on the use of chemicals in textiles and footwear will come into force. This concerns 33 harmful substances, all of which can be found in ECHA’s REACH regulation .

ID card for all EU citizens

From November 2nd, electronic ID cards for EU citizens will be issued in Germany.  

The following data will be saved on the eID-Karten electronic card : name, surname, academic degree, address, nationality, date of birth and validity period. The card will be issued for 10 years.

However, the following also applies: the new eID card does not replace either an identity card or a passport. Rather, EU citizens will be able to use it for online identification.

To obtain the card, interested persons will need a registration certificate, a travel document (passport or ID card) and approximately 30 euros.

Change of insurance

Until the end of November, vehicle owners have the option to change their vehicle insurance for next year. Thanks to this, they can save up to several hundred euros a year.

Nutri-Score on the labels

From November in Germany, the so-called Nutri-Score, a simplified system for assessing the nutritional value of food products. The 5-color scale is intended to provide consumers with simple, understandable information that will be used by them when shopping to the same extent as price or taste. The Nutri-Score gives the rating of a food product (except mono-ingredient foods and water) from dark green A (best) to red E (worst). The result depends on the type of ingredients present. (source: Wikipedia)

Dose indications for prescription drugs

From November 2020, doctors in Germany will be required to indicate the dose of prescribed drugs on prescription. One of the reasons for the change is the growing drug trade over the Internet.

Black Friday 2020 in November

This year Black Friday falls on November 27, 2020. Black Friday is the day of the biggest sales of the year. They are held cyclically every year, mainly in the United States, but for several years they have become more and more popular also in European countries. Black Friday sales are considered to be the biggest sales in stores, i.e. the biggest price reductions.