The hard lockdown began in Germany on Wednesday. In the face of dramatically growing corona numbers, the state and the 16 federal states have agreed on a package of measures to combat the pandemic. Private meetings continue to be limited to one’s own household and one other. No more than five people are allowed to gather. Children 14 and younger are not counted. Meanwhile, more than 950 Corona deaths were recorded within 24 hours for the first time.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, 952 people died from or with the virus, and there are now a total of 23,427 deaths. In addition, 27,728 confirmed new cases were recorded Wednesday morning. The day before, 14,432 new infections were reported. This brings the total number of infections in Germany to 1,379,238, with the seven-day incidence rising to 179.8 from 173.7 the previous day. The federal and state governments are aiming for a target of 50. The figure indicates how many people per 100,000 population become newly infected within seven days.
A special rule applies for Christmas (Dec. 24-26) during the lockdown that began Wednesday. On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, a ban on arrivals and gatherings will apply throughout Germany. The sale of pyrotechnics will be banned and New Year’s Eve fireworks are strongly discouraged. Retail outlets will be largely closed. Exceptions include grocery stores, pharmacies and drugstores, post offices and newspaper sales, pet supply and feed stores, and Christmas tree sales.
Personal care service businesses, such as hair salons, beauty salons and massage practices, will be closed. Restaurants will also remain closed. Drinking alcohol in public spaces will be prohibited. Medically necessary treatments will remain available. Schools will generally be closed, emergency care will be provided and distance learning will be offered. The measures are to last until January 10.
- hp, Source: APA, picture: pixabay.com
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