Germany to reopen all shops and schools in-may
06 May, 2020
Germany will take new steps towards normalization in May, including reopening shops and schools after weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus, according to a draft agreement seen by AFP Wednesday.
"Even after initial steps to open up were introduced from April 20, the quantity of new infections remained low," the document read, with "no new wave of infection" up to now detected -- justifying the series of bolder reopening steps.
Up to now, only certain children like those soon facing exams have been allowed to return to class.
However now kindergartens and primary schools may also reopen from in a few days.
"Step-by-step, schools should make possible education of most pupils while implementing appropriate hygiene measures and upholding distancing rules," the document read.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and premiers from Germany's 16 federal states are anticipated to sign off on the written text later Wednesday.
Meanwhile it'll be up to the average person regions to decide what direction to go with reopening universities.
Regarding shops, the politicians said all could reopen but requirements "for hygiene, managing entry and avoiding queues forming" will be imposed.
Up to now only shops up to floor space of 800 square meters have been authorized to resume sales.
States may also have a free give whether to reopen restaurants beginning on May 9, aswell as on decisions affecting theatres, concert halls, nightclubs and gyms.
Meanwhile the one major coronavirus restriction set to remain set up -- likely for a number of months -- is a ban on large gatherings like sports matches, cultural events or festivals.
Such events will remain forbidden until "at least August 31", based on the text.
Also, lockdown measures will be reimposed if the amount of coronavirus infections begins to mount again.
If more than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants are detected within seven days, the damaged city or district must impose "a corresponding lockdown plan".
In the event of a "localized and obviously containable infection pattern" -- such as for example in one institution as an old people's home -- the measures could possibly be limited only to the precise place affected, instead of a whole region.
The government also includes a general call for Germans to continue to maintain a safe distance in one another and wear masks in shops and on public transport.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com
TAG(s):