Germany to take radical measures to fight coronavirus spread
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Germany will take “radical measures” to fight the spread of coronavirus by banning people from traveling for pleasure and closing non-essential shops, Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
Non-essential businesses and shops will shut down, while religious gatherings will be prohibited and holiday travel will grind to a halt.
Bars, theaters, museums, cinemas, leisure parks and non-essential shops will be closed and “there will be no tourist travels domestically or abroad,” with overnight stays only permitted for work-related travel, Merkel told reporters in Berlin.
“There have never been measures like this in our country before,” Merkel announced. “They are far-reaching, but at the moment they are necessary.”
Supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks, post offices, delivery services, drycleaners and hairdressers will be among the businesses that will remain open.
Key among the new restrictions is the ban on holiday travel. Overnight accommodation in Germany must be deemed essential. Non-Germans who are not resident without a valid reason will be refused entry at the borders.
“There shouldn’t be any holiday trips undertaken inside the country or outside it,” Merkel said. Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s primary train operative, is expected to limit regional and local services starting immediately.
