Urge for Gradual Strategy to Combat Coronavirus in Cities' Agenda
In the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, German cities have been implementing measures to combat rising infection numbers. These measures, largely following state-level policies, include curfews, closures, and restrictions on social activities.
Bavaria, for instance, was one of the first German states to implement a strict curfew starting in March 2020, with fines of up to €25,000 for violators. The curfew allowed exceptions for essential activities, such as going to work, supermarkets, pharmacies, and outdoor sports when done alone or with household members. Restaurants (except for take-away and drive-in), DIY shops, and hairdressers were closed under these rules. Saarland also enacted a similar curfew around the same time, modelled after Austria’s measures.
Discussions among federal and state leaders, including city mayors, have led to coordinated but sometimes contested decisions on restrictions. While Bavaria pushed for strict curfews, some city and state leaders showed reservations or opposition towards such measures.
Germany has adopted a phased approach, balancing strict restrictions and gradual reopening, depending on infection rates. This approach is guided by evidence such as reproduction numbers and testing data. The "tiered" system, though not detailed explicitly in the cities' search results, generally follows from federal and state levels adjusting restrictions based on local infection incidence, hospital capacity, and other epidemiological criteria.
Key interventions include restricting non-essential business operations, limiting social contacts, enforcing mask mandates, and imposing curfews or movement restrictions as needed. For example, Munich has considered a temporary mask requirement in pedestrian zones.
In schools, a mask requirement could be introduced if the infection rate reaches 50 per 100,000 inhabitants. Visiting possibilities in nursing and care homes could be restricted again if the infection rate reaches the same threshold. However, if the infection process in care facilities is unremarkable, visiting bans may not be necessarily imposed, even if the seven-day incidence is above 50.
The president of the German City Council, Burkhard Jung, supports stricter corona measures. He considers an alcohol ban on public places to be sensible when the infection rate reaches 50 per 100,000 inhabitants.
It is important to note that the specific location of infections determines which measures are taken. If infections are numerous in a specific company, a mask requirement in the pedestrian zone or in class may not be necessary.
The article does not provide new information about the consideration of temporary mask requirements in pedestrian zones, the president of the German City Council's stance on corona measures, or the email address for further information or inquiries.
In summary, German cities are adhering to measures like curfews, shop and restaurant closures, and limitations on social activities, as advocated by their state governments. The model combines strict early-stage lockdowns with ongoing regionally tailored restrictions to manage rising COVID-19 numbers.
- In addition to the ongoing curfews and business closures, some city leaders in Germany, such as the president of the German City Council, Burkhard Jung, are advocating for the consideration of mental-health measures, like an alcohol ban on public places, especially when infection rates reach 50 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- As the battle against COVID-19 continues, various cities in Germany are exploring health-and-wellness solutions beyond the traditional measures, such as the use of other natural remedies like CBD oil, to support the emotional and physical well-being of their residents during the pandemic.
- The rise in medical-conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety among the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic is driving the need for cities like Berlin to expand their science-based approach to public health and include mental-health services as part of their comprehensive health-and-wellness strategy.
