Germany plans to let smaller shops reopen next week (Monday 20th April) after the shutdown, and to start reopening schools in early May – but Europe’s biggest economy is keeping strict social distancing rules in place.
After much-anticipated talks with the country’s 16 state governors, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel set out a plan for the first steps of a cautious restart of public life – following neighbouring Austria and Denmark and other countries in launching a slow loosening of restrictions. New infections in Germany have slowed in recent weeks, but Ms Merkel cautioned that the country has achieved only “a fragile intermediate success” so far and does not have “much room for manoeuvre”.
Under the new rules shops with a maximum sales area of 800m² can reopen from April 20 (excluding Bavaria which it is estimated to have a reopening date of 27th April or early May) but there are conditions for the reopening of the smaller shops. So they would have to present “good concepts”, for example on hygiene regulations. They also have to avoid “huge lines” forming outside the doors. “A large number of preparatory measures are necessary here,” said Merkel. Not every federal state has to allow the opening of shops up to 800m², but can exploit this scope. Regardless of the sales area, car dealers, bicycle dealers and bookstores can open their doors to customers again.
Restaurants, department stores and shopping malls can still not be opened and public gatherings will still be banned. Trade events may be permitted but only after 1st September 2020.
Lady M, Berlin
