.png)
A second semi-lockdown in Germany has been announced which will come into effect 02.11.2020 onwards. Pubs and restaurants need to close, new contact restrictions are being put in place.
Berlin, October 28th, 2020 (Satyawahr) — German government has decided to impose another semi-lockdown on the country. Starting on Monday, up to ten people from up to two households will be allowed to meet in public, according to several German-language media.
Businesses:
Pubs and restaurants will have to close again. Offering takeout food will be allowed, welcoming guests is forbidden. This is a return of the situation in spring, during the first semi-lockdown which helped bring down the alarming number of Corona infections in March and April. The government intends to support the owners of these businesses.
Big sports events, such as soccer matches, will be taking place without audiences. In spring, they were cancelled. Now, the professional sports world can at least continue its activities which is a sigh of relief to sports community.
Schools:
One of the big differences between lockdowns number 1 and 2: Kindergartens and schools are supposed to remain open. Education is one of the government’s main priorities. In spite of infections among schoolkids and teachers that have led to quarantines for thousands of them all over Germany, shutting down schools was not an option.
Speaking at a Press conference, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the Coronavirus was spreading extremely quickly. The time it took for the infection numbers to double was decreasing. The same applied to the number of Corona patients who were treated at intensive care units. The number corona infected patients has increased in the past ten days, while the number of those who were on respirators had doubled in nine days.
‘Decisive Action Necessary’
The Chancellor explained to the media that, at this pace, the German health system would be at its limits within weeks which pressed for an decisive action on behalf of government. “We do not want a national health emergency”, Mrs. Merkel stated. “That is why we need to take measures.”
According to Germany’s head of government, being able to track down the sources of all Corona infections is important. Merkel said that, at this stage, this was not possible anymore in 75 percent of all cases. Flattening the curve was essential.
‘Reason and Solidarity’
In spring, the Germans had shown reason and solidarity, Angela Merkel said. The success of the first lockdown in spring had led to a summer during which people had been able to move around more. Now, another “national effort” needed to be taken.
She knew the measures were “hard and burdensome for the entire country”. Keeping the economy going and the schools open had been the two main priorities. Also the acceptance in Germany was an aspect that was considered.
Private Parties Forbidden
Private parties either in homes or at other locations are not acceptable anymore at this stage. Angela Merkel said. People are advised to refrain from private trips unless it is really important. Overnight stays at hotels will be allowed for important reasons only. Tourism is not among the latter. Events for entertainment purposes will be forbidden during the lockdown as well.
As opposed to what happened in spring, all retail businesses may remain open as long as they adhere to the hygiene rules that has already been in force. The service industries may continue working.
Support from the state.
Merkel promised that firms hit by the new measures would receive economic support, with smaller companies receiving 75% of their income in support.
"We will compensate affected companies, institutions and clubs," she said.
Angela Merkel also said the government would also care for vulnerable groups in the population.
Please refer to official report from Bundes Chancellor Angela Merkel for detailed and accurate information. https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de/bkin-en
Disclaimer Notice: The information in this article is sourced from different sources. The opinions, beliefs and views expressed by the author and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and views of SatyaWahr.