Germany reports few violations amid the coronavirus lockdown which is in efforts to reduce the spread of the virus. The government has tightened restrictions on movement to curb contact and hence flatten the curve of COVID-19 new infections
Authorities are set to monitor people’s reactions to the lockdown stating this will set the precedence for other such actions in the future.
Bavaria, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Hesse have all gone into partial lockdown and it remains evident how much fear he pandemic has caused given the once busy streets are now empty.
In Bavaria, Germany’s largest state by area, State Premier Markus Söder said people should remain inside unless traveling to work, to see the doctor or to the supermarket.
Bavarian police reported only isolated instances of violations on Saturday, such as five youths celebrating a birthday party at a construction site or a group of three people drinking around a bonfire. Violators were given warnings in each case.
The western state of Saarland reported roughly 20 violations overnight, mostly by young people, according to police.
Authorities have indicated that observing the public response to social distancing measures and quarantine will be key in determining how to proceed with further restrictions in Germany.
Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said he understands people “have a need for fresh air” in the current circumstances, but admonished those continuing to socialize in groups.
This is inclusive if those at so-called corona parties, which he referred to as “bad jokes.”
Many memes have taken to social media with people making jokes but the death toll in Italy serves as a reminder that he COVID-19 is not a joke.
“Maybe we can nudge the others a little bit to suck it up so that we can protect ourselves from further restrictions on freedoms,” he said.
In addition to lockdown efforts, the German government has imposed a number of other restrictions on movement, including closing borders and barring entry to many foreigners.