Germany Goes into Hard Lockdown for Christmas

Germany will be going into a complete lockdown situation over the Christmas period, owing to the death rates from coronavirus increasing with each passing day.

With people soaking up in the spirit of the season and getting ready to host Christmas get-togethers and New Year parties, there's been quite a bit of shopping crowds in the country lately. And this has led to the rapid spread of the virus.  

Although certain parts of Germany were already following some of the rules of a lockdown, authorities hope that a nationwide lockdown during Christmas week can potentially stop coronavirus case numbers from escalating.

The hard lockdown in Germany will start from December 16 and will continue till January 10, 2021. Schools and all non-essential shops will remain strictly closed. Essential shops and banks will remain open.

Here's what's happening today in Germany, from @TheLocalGermany. #TodayinGermany

First, some form of lockdown is expected for most of the winter months, says Merkel's chief of staff. https://t.co/u7aXk1L1E9

— Mike Stuchbery ðŸÂÂÂÂÂÂ’€ðŸ· (@MikeStuchbery_) December 15, 2020

Keeping in mind the importance of Christmas for Germans, the rules will get a tad more relaxed around December 24 – 26.

As per the rules of the lockdown, each household will be allowed to host no more than five close family members from another household for Christmas.

Bars and restaurants have been closed already. Work from home will resume for employees. Public New Year events will be barred as well.

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Germany has had a strong hold on controlling the spread of the virus in the past few months. But with the latest infected cases expanding beyond the 1.3 million mark, a nationwide ban on New Year’s Eve gatherings is an essential precautionary step. With harsh winter months lying ahead, the chances of respiratory infections can escalate into an unmanageable situation, if the lockdown rules are not observed strictly.