Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here’s What You Need to Know

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It’s official: Life in Germany is going to look very different this November thanks to significantly stricter contact restrictions and anti-COVID measures.

In an effort to combat the growing spread of COVID-19 in Germany, strict new measures from Nov 2 onwards were discussed and adopted today at a meeting between ChancellorΒ Merkel and the heads of each German federal state.

Among these restrictions are a significant reduction in public life such as the closure of dine-in gastronomy options, as well as a reduction in the number of permissible contact people outside of one’s household.

Below, we will summarize the most important takeaways from the official announcement here.

You can also watch the full press conference announcing the measures here.

1. The New Measures are in Effect from Nov 2 – Nov 30

At the moment, the newly adopted measures will be in effect only from Nov 2 – 30, however state leaders will reconvene in 2 weeks time to discuss any necessary adjustments.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know

2. There will be much stricter contact restrictions in place

As part of the stricter measures, all German residents are urged to limit contact with others outside their household as much as possible.

As such, gatherings are only permitted with maximum one other household (with an absolute cap of 10 people max).

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know

3. Trips and visits are strongly discouraged

German residents are moreover discouraged from taking “unnecessary private trips and visits”, including any trips/visits to see relatives.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know
Even day trips are being discouraged

4. (Dine-in) Catering establishments will be closing temporarily

According to the resolution, gastronomy establishmentsΒ as well as bars, clubs, discos, pubs, etc. will have to close. This excludes delivery and pick-up of take-away meals, as well as company canteens.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know
Pinsa romana at Coucou Food Market

5. Institutions and businesses devoted to leisure and entertainment will be closed

This includes:

  • Theaters, opera houses, concert halls and similar institutions
  • Trade fairs
  • Cinemas
  • Amusement parks
  • Amusement arcades
  • Casinos and betting shops
  • Prostitution centers such as brothels
  • Swimming pools
  • Saunas
  • Thermal baths
  • Gyms and similar facilities
Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know

6. Overnight accommodation offers will not be available for tourism purposes

Under the new restrictions, accommodation offers like hotels and holiday apartments are said to only be allowed for necessary purposes (e.g. a mandatory business trip).Β Β 

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know

7. Professional sports are only allowed without spectators

This applies throughout the month of November, and yes includes the Bundesliga.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know

8. Personal care establishments must also close

This includes:

  • Cosmetic studios
  • Massage parlours
  • Tattoo studios

Medically necessary treatments however (e.g. physiotherapy and podiatry) will be allowed to still operate, as well as hair salons so long as they adhere to current hygiene requirements.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

9. Retail shops may still open, provided that they adhere to hygiene requirements

Stores will be asked to ensure that there is no more than 1 customer per 10 square meters in the shop at one time.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know

10. Schools and Kindergartens will remain open

The necessary protective measures will be decided by each individual state.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know

11. Financial aid will be granted to businesses impacted by these restrictions

For specific details about which businesses qualify, you can download the full resolution document here.

Germany Introduces Strict New Measures for November: Here's What You Need to Know
Image by h kama from Pixabay

For more details (in German), you can read the official announcement and full resolution here.

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