Urban Summit Advocates Gradual Strategy to Combat Coronavirus
In response to rising COVID-19 cases across Germany, several cities and states have advocated for stricter measures to curb the spread of the virus. These measures range from curfews and mask requirements to visiting bans in care facilities.
One of the key figures supporting these stricter measures is Burkhard Jung, the President of the German City Council. Jung has expressed his support for alcohol bans in public places when the infection rate exceeds 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The specific measures implemented vary depending on the infection rates and sources. For instance, if there are numerous infections in a specific company, a mask requirement in public places or schools may not be necessary. On the other hand, a mask requirement in pedestrian zones could be considered due to the close proximity of people.
Some cities have already taken action. Bavaria, for example, implemented an early curfew starting at midnight, with fines up to €25,000 for violations. Allowed activities under this curfew included going to work, supermarkets, medical facilities, and pharmacies if done solo or with household members. Outdoor sports, visiting partners or vulnerable people not in facilities, helping others, and animal care were also permitted under restrictions. Non-essential businesses like restaurants (except take-away or drive-in), DIY shops, and hairdressers were closed. Saarland, near the heavily affected French Grand Est region, instituted similar curfew measures at the same time.
However, the implementation of these stricter measures depends largely on decisions by the federal states’ Minister Presidents, often coordinated with the federal government. There has been some opposition and debate, with the German Association of Towns and Municipalities and leaders such as Berlin’s Governing Mayor and Thuringia’s Minister President expressing reservations over statewide curfews. Some politicians, like Greens chairwoman Annalena Baerbock, criticized fast unilateral state-level curfews, advocating instead for coordinated nationwide decisions involving all federal states and the Chancellor.
In the case of care facilities, visiting bans may not be necessary if the infection process is unremarkable, even if the seven-day incidence is over 50. However, mask requirements in schools could be introduced or visiting opportunities in nursing and care homes could be restricted based on infection rates.
As of July 2025, no recent updates suggest changes beyond these types of curfews and restrictions. The measures appear to be tailored based on regional infection risks and political agreement between state and federal levels.
References: [1] "Germany imposes new restrictions amid coronavirus surge" - BBC News, 2020.
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