Chancellor Angela Merkel intensifies the fight against coronavirus. It is now forbidden to meet more than two people in Germany.
It announced Chancellor Angela Merkel at a press briefing a short time ago after a telephone meeting with the state’s prime ministers earlier today.
However, the so-called contact ban does not apply to workplaces and families.
At least 24,714 people are now registered as infected with coronavirus in Germany. 92 have died after infection with the virus.
“The coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate, and citizens must minimize all contact,” Merkel said at the press conference.
Not the same as curfew
According to the new measures, restaurants that were not already closed must now close. However, picking up food is still allowed.
Hairdressers, masseurs and so other similar companies also have to close.
“It is a less drastic approach to the fight against coronavirus than an actual bid we have seen in other countries,” said DR correspondent Michael Reiter.
It has been more important for Merkel and the prime ministers to keep the Germans to themselves than to stay at home. Hence the name contact ban.
The Germans have actually accepted the authorities’ request to stay away.
“The authorities can look at anonymous data from the Germans’ cell phones that people are actually staying where they are,” explains Michael Reiter.
Additional steps may be required if necessary.
Strict restrictions had already been imposed in 12 of Germany’s 16 federal states.
In Saxony, the authorities have announced that no one is allowed to leave their home without good reason. However, shopping and going to work are still allowed.
In Bavaria, southern Germany, people have been told to stay inside unless it is strictly necessary to go out.
Source: www.dr.dk
