Germany extends quarantine: New bans announced

The quarantine regime in Germany has been extended until January 31.

According to Report's European bureau, a regular meeting of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and provincial prime ministers made this decision yesterday in addition to the restrictions that will be in force in the country until January 31.

In areas that recorded more than 200 coronaviruses per 100,000 people in the last seven days, people can leave their homes for up to 15 kilometers - reasons such as going to work and seeing a doctor are not among the restrictions.

The government will take special care measures in all nursing homes most affected by the epidemic and closely monitor the transmission chain of the new mutated variant of COVID-19. Schools and kindergartens will continue closed until January 31.

The "2 test strategy" will come into force on January 11 for those coming to Germany from risk areas. According to this rule, they must give the COVID-19 test before entering the country or 48 hours before. Then the 10-day quarantine period must begin. If the test is negative after five days, the quarantine can be terminated.

All trade facilities will remain closed, except for shops and markets where basic necessities are sold. Filling stations, car repair shops, pharmacies, opticians, and banks will be open, but beauty centers, hairdressers, massage parlors will remain closed.

Restaurants are only allowed to operate with a delivery service. It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places. State governments may take additional measures in areas where there are many patients.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and the provincial prime ministers will meet again on January 25 to review the measures.