Germany’s authorities decided not to risk their nation’s health and imposed a new quarantine. The new restrictive measures are not as tough as in spring. However, if the number of new virus cases continues rising, the country’s authorities will have to resort to the previous scenario.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has emphasized that it is a very difficult decision, but there is no way out at the moment. The key aim is to stabilize the epidemiological situation until December. The Bavarian governor called this lockdown “a four-week therapy”. It is supposed to prepare people for the winter months.
Thus, German officials agreed to a four-week shutdown of restaurants, bars, and other establishments. However, they can still provide takeaway and delivery services. Swimming pools, fitness clubs, tattoo parlors, massage rooms, and beauty studios as well as theaters, cinemas, and concert halls will also stop working. All sports competitions will be held without spectators. At the same time, kindergartens, schools, hairdressers, shops, and hotels are likely to remain open. However, the authorities have asked Germans to refrain from traveling around the country. People in Germany are required to wear protective masks in shops, transport, and public places. All mass events were canceled in the country until the end of 2020. In a number of cities, such as Berlin, Munich, and Cologne, masks must be worn when visiting some squares, markets, and pedestrian streets.
