Germany to implement tighter COVID-19 restrictions

Effective Nov. 2, Germany’s federal and state governments have agreed to introduce sweeping contact restrictions on everyday life to curb the steep rise of COVID-19 infections, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported on Wednesday.

Only members of the same household plus those of an additional household with a maximum of ten people would be allowed to meet in public, the dpa learned from a video conference Chancellor Angela Merkel held with the minister presidents of the federal states.

Entertainment and leisure activities would be largely prohibited throughout Germany as theaters, operas and concert venues would have to close until the end of the month, according to the dpa. The ban would also apply to bars and restaurants.

Shops are to remain open, although they will not be allowed to let in more than one customer per 10 square meters, dpa said. Cosmetic studios, massage parlors and tattoo studios will have to close, but hairdressers can stay open under strict hygiene conditions.