Germany will impose an “emergency quarantine” for 30 days. List of restrictions

TO UPDATE

“The measures are tough,” Merkel said in Berlin on Wednesday after consultations with regional leaders.

“These are burdensome measures,” acknowledged the chancellor, but they aim to restore public life in Germany, for the most part, in December. Merkel announced that two weeks after the new measures come into force, federal states will again be consulted on measures that should come into effect or be amended.

The restrictions will take effect on Monday 2nd November.

New restrictions:

• Restaurants and bars will be closed except
• The main events will be deleted again
• Unnecessary journeys are discouraged
• Hotels will be closed except in an emergency
• Everyone who can work from home should do so, and employers should make it easier for them to transition to work from home.
• Public gatherings will be limited to just two families for a maximum of 10 people in total.
• Entertainment facilities such as theaters and cinemas will be closed
• Public recreation centers such as swimming pools, gyms and saunas will be closed

What is allowed

• Schools and kindergartens will remain open
• Religious processions will continue safely (decision taken for constitutional reasons)
• The stores will remain open, with one customer allowed for every 10 square meters (108 square meters).

Economic support measures

Merkel has promised that companies affected by the new measures will receive financial support. Companies with up to 50 employees and the self-employed will receive 75% of their income in support.

“We will compensate the companies, institutions and clubs concerned,” he said.

According to the media, a total of € 10 billion has been earmarked for support.

Support for larger companies will be based on EU standards for assistance and will vary from company to company.

Initial news

The precise measurements are still under discussion. Sources close to the talks said Merkel and regional leaders have decided to close bars and restaurants. Other measures – such as shutting down theaters and gyms and limiting social interaction – are on the table.

Even the hotels, barring emergencies, will be closed. Anyone who can work from home should do so, with authorities urging employers to facilitate the transition to work from home.

A € 10 billion aid package would be paid to the companies affected by the measures.

The drastic measures, which sources say will take effect on November 2, aim to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in Europe’s largest economy, where the number of new cases has hit a new record.

With the new restrictions, shops would be left open, as long as they respect social distance by limiting the number of people entering.

The full package of measures will be announced later this evening.