Markus Soder, Prime Minister of Bavaria, has announced fresh restrictions for the region
Credit: PETER KNEFFEL /AFP
The south German state of Bavaria yesterday (SUN) announced that it will introduce tougher pandemic restrictions than the rest of the country for the next four weeks.
State premier Markus Söder said that, starting on Wednesday, Bavarians would only be permitted to leave the house if they have a good reason to do so. In districts with a case laid of more than 200 per 100,000 inhabitants, a nightly curfew will also be put in place.
At the same time, the measures do not go as far as the springtime lockdown. People will still be permitted to go Christmas shopping, with retailers staying open. Commuting to work and school, sport and doctors’ visits will all also be permitted.
The measures are to last until at least January 9th, but will be lifted for four days around Christmas.
Meanwhile high school pupils over the age of 14 will be put into “shift classes” in which pupils from the same class will attend school on alternate days.
Coronavirus Germany Spotlight Chart — cases default
“The situation is very serious. The numbers need to come down,” said Mr Söder. “The virus isn’t slacking off, so neither are we.”
While infections have dropped off in much of Germany, they have stayed stubbornly high in Bavaria, which has the country’s highest death toll despite Mr Söder pursuing a tougher line than other regions.
Mr Söder, who is rumoured to be contemplating a run for the Chancellorship next year, is now the second most popular politician in Germany behind Angela Merkel. The public approve of his lockdown advocacy, but critics accuse him of exploiting the pandemic to raise his profile.
The eastern state of Thuringia is also likely to impose tougher restrictions. A local newspaper reported on Sunday that the state, where infections are also rising, will not allow more than two households to meet over Christmas.
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