Germany’s state offers blueprint of lockdown exit strategy

Germany’s state of Bavaria on Tuesday announced its schedule for a gradual reopening, ahead of a telephone conference between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany’s states.

From Wednesday, the general lockdown will be relaxed across the state, the Bavarian state government said, while some contact restrictions and the ban on gatherings in public areas will still remain in place.

The exit schedule was coordinated with Merkel’s,

said Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soeder, adding that schedule could serve as a “blueprint” for other states.

Last week, Merkel said it was in the interest of citizens for Germany to have a “joint strategy” during the coronavirus pandemic.

The state government of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania also announced plans to lift restrictions on Tuesday.

“We will take off on Thursday,” said Harry Glawe, state minister for economic affairs, adding that further reopening for the trade and service sectors has been discussed.
In Saxony-Anhalt, holiday homes and apartments can be rented out to locals starting on May 15. In the near future, hotels will be allowed to open for all domestic tourists, the state cabinet said on Tuesday.