The Federal Government of Germany has announced further restrictions on activities nationwide in view of the increasing rates of COVID-19 infections.
Effective Wednesday, 16 December 2020, and until 10 January 2021, the following restrictions will take effect:
- All shops, with the exception of food shops and those selling essential goods, will be closed;
- Service businesses, including hairdressers, will close because physical distance cannot be avoided. Necessary medical treatment, including physiotherapy, will continue to be possible;
- Schools and nurseries sessions will be suspended during this period;
- Restaurants may continue to deliver food or sell food for take-away only; consumption of alcoholic beverages in public is not allowed;
- Church services and religious gatherings are possible under specific preconditions;
- Private meetings with friends and family are limited to a maximum of 5 individuals from a total of two households, children under 14 are not counted in this limit;
- Both the federal and state governments are urgently appealing to all citizens to avoid all non-essential travel inside and outside of Germany;
Special Reminders:December 24 to 26, 2020 Households will be permitted to meet up with a maximum of 4 close family members from outside of their immediate households plus any children up to the age of 14. New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2020) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2021) There is a nationwide ban on all gatherings on both days. Sale of fireworks before the New Year will be banned; Use of fireworks in areas frequented by many people is prohibited; In general, it is recommended not to let off any fireworks.
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Everyone is enjoined to observe these restrictions along with other on-going public health measures, such as wearing of masks in public spaces, avoiding crowded areas, observing physical distancing, and, regularly airing out closed rooms and areas. Let us work together in helping curb the spread of COVID.
We wish everyone a blessed, safe, and healthy holiday celebration.
Thank you.
14 December 2020, Berlin
*Source: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/merkel-decision-christmas-1827430
PDF: Advisory 28 – Restrictions Effective 16Dec2020
