Germany sets stricter lockdown measures. What has changed and what remains the same

Germany has had as new set of stricter lockdown measures from Monday to curb new infections in the country with all 16 federal states following this directive reported DW.

Ten states, including the most populous, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria and Baden Württemberg, introduced the new rules as of Monday.

In Germany a number of stricter lockdown measures were introduced on December 16th, these were originally slated to remain in place until at least January 10th but have had only a moderate impact on caseloads. Some of the measures that were already in place have been extended, while other restrictions have been tightened, we wrote about it here>>.

Health Minister Jens Spahn appealed to the public to stay the course. 

“I know that these are once again particular difficulties, hardships for many,” Spahn said on ZDF television. “Also social hardships, but at the moment that is the arena in which the virus is spreading above all others.”

What are the new restrictions?

• Private meetings will be limited to members of one household, plus one other person. Previously the limit was set at a maximum of five people from two households.
• Anyone arriving in Germany from high-risk areas must submit two negative test results. A minimum five-day quarantine period is required between the two tests — even if the first is negative.
• Parents receive an extra 10 days of leave to look after children. Single parents will receive an extra 20 days.
• Residents in areas with a seven-day incidence of more than 200 cases per 100,000 people can be restricted from travelling more than 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) from their home without a valid reason — although some states will enforce this rule on a discretionary basis, or merely advise people to abide by it.

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What restrictions remain in place?

• All shops and services deemed nonessential are closed. 
• Day care centres are closed, but parents can take paid holidays in order to look after their children.
• Employers are encouraged to allow employees to work from home if possible.
• People are not allowed to drink alcohol in public.
• Religious events in churches, synagogues and mosques may take place if they follow hygiene rules. Communal singing is banned.
• Schools are largely closed and students are taught through distance learning.

Source: DW, Afronews.de