*FYI - this post may affiliate links, which means we earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For the full scoop on what this means, feel free to check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.
Lockdown rules are changing again in Bavaria starting today, and this time, relaxations are being slightly relaxed in several areas including retail and sports.
At a press conference held yesterday, Bavaria’s Minister-President Markus Söder, Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger and Minister of Health Klaus Holetschek on Tuesday unveiled several new measures for easing lockdown restrictions.
You can watch the full press conference here, but below is a quick summary of the changes coming into effect on Wednesday, April 28 for the 12th Bavarian Infection Protection Measures Ordinance:
Relaxations in Service/Retail Trades
Starting today, shops for non-contact service companies and trade businesses (e.g. photographers, car rental stations, tailor shops, etc.) are allowed to open regardless of the incidence, provided that they follow the general conditions applicable to shops such as masks, social distancing, etc.
Restrictions will however continue to apply for services involving physical contact.
Garden markets, flower shops and bookstores may also open regardless of incidence rate.
Relaxations for Drive-in Cinemas, Zoological Gardens & Botanical Gardens
Starting today, drive-in cinemas are also allowed to operate regardless of incidence rate, however spectators will be required to wear an FFP2 mask when outside of their vehicles.
The outdoor portions of zoological and botanical gardens may also open over a 7 day incidence of 100 under the following conditions:
- Sufficient protection/hygiene concepts
- A negative test from the past 24h for all visitors aged 6 and over
- FFP2 mask requirement
- Contact tracing
NOTE: For incidence rates under 100, the current opening rules for zoological and botanical gardens under the 12th Bavarian Infection Protection Measures Ordinance will continue to apply.
Relaxations for Sports/Leisure
Starting today, children under the age of 14 may practice non-contact outdoor sports in groups of 5 or less, even if the 7 day incidence exceeds 100.
Instructors may participate in the sport if they can provide a negative test result within the past 24 hours.
New freedoms for fully vaccinated individuals
Starting today, being fully vaccinated will also be considered sufficient as a “negative test result”, so fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to provide a negative test in instances where it’s required (e.g. to visit a botanical garden at a 7 Day Incidence above 100, for example).
Confirmations of existing rules
The press conference also clarified some rules from the current regulations as well.
For example, (non-commercial) family/neighbourhood-organized care groups for supervising children under age 14 is still permitted, so long as children come from two households max.
The curfew in Munich from 10pm to 5am will continue to apply. This includes jogging/walking for exercise purposes.
What’s Next?
According to the official press release on Bayern.de here, 1 in 4 residents of Bavaria have now received at least one vaccine dose.
Any further easing of measures will depend on how cases and vaccinations progress, but we’ll be sure to let you know when updates become available.
