The Corona Cabinet of the Hesse state government has adjusted the existing measures to combat the Corona virus. On the one hand, these are necessary in view of the increasing numbers of infections. At the same time, many existing Corona ordinances in Hesse expire on 31.10. and must be adapted, changed or extended accordingly.
"We are facing the autumn/winter season and thus the challenge of continuing not to overburden our health care systems when Corona infections and the flu wave hit us at the same time. We will act - as usual - prudently and with a sense of proportion," said Minister President Volker Bouffier and Health Minister Kai Klose at a press conference in the Hessian State Chancellery on Monday. "We are continuing with proven measures so as not to jeopardize our successes in combating the pandemic. At the same time, we can only ever advocate relaxations with a sense of proportion."
The premier called for caution in view of the sharp rise in infections in the Rhine-Main region. "We must do everything we can to prevent another lockdown. Our goal is clear: we want schools and daycare centers to stay open. We also want businesses and shops to stay open. That's why we now have to accept additional restrictions on private celebrations, holidays and leisure. Even if that's hard for all of us."
In addition, the Corona Cabinet of the Hessian state government exchanged views with the head of the Virological Institute of the University Hospital Frankfurt, Prof. Dr. Sandra Ciesek as well as the head of the Institute of Virology at the Philipps University Marburg Prof. Dr. Stephan Becker on the current state of the infection situation in Hesse and Germany.
The most important changes at a glance:
Private celebrations:
Because these were and are repeatedly herd of significant outbreak events,
private parties outside the own home will be limited to max. 50 persons.
For celebrations in private rooms, a maximum of 25 persons is strongly recommended.
Events / Cultural Events:
For public events, a limit of 250 people continues to apply. A prerequisite is the existence of a hygiene concept. Events with more people, require an additional permit from the local health department,
The previous 3-square-meter rule for events or cultural offerings such as theaters, concerts or cinemas no longer applies. The general distance and contact rules apply (1.5 meters distance, max. 10 people together) as for example in the catering trade. Also in swimming pools, the 3-square-meter rule will be abolished.
For gatherings of senior citizens, the number of participants has so far been limited separately. This will be repealed. The same guidelines will apply as for other gatherings.
In the future, the same rules will apply to clubs and dance halls as to restaurants. That means they can entertain guests under the current measures just like bars and restaurants. However, a ban on dance events will apply. Spatial arrangements must be made for this. The opening must be approved by the local health department.
Businesses / markets:
The 3-square-meter rule also does not apply in stores. The usual distance and hygiene rules apply.
Children's play areas in shops and markets are allowed to reopen.
The same requirements now apply in markets with a significant catering offer as in restaurants. These include, in particular, spacing rules, provision of contact details and the requirement for waiters and waitresses to wear mouth-to-nose coverings.
Guest lists / contact tracing:
In the past, outbreak incidents have shown that incorrect information on guest lists in the restaurant industry has made contact tracing difficult. Therefore, the provision of false data should be punishable by a fine.
Accordingly, a requirement for guests to provide complete and truthful contact tracing data will be included in the regulation. The operators or organizers must check the information for plausibility. For this purpose, the presentation of the identity card or passport may be required.
In future, operators of body-related services such as nail salons or hairdressers will also have to record the contact data of their customers for possible contact tracing. This is particularly necessary against the background of the beginning cold season.
Mouth-to-nose coverage:
The wearing of a mouth-nose-covering is in the future also
.in voting rooms and in voting booths
while on platforms and at stops
required.
School: <x><BR</x>
In schools, masks are still mandatory outside of classrooms, such as. in the schoolyard or in the corridors.
Exceptions can be determined on site. The new regulation clarifies: When eating and drinking, the mouth-nose protection may also be removed in the schoolyard. The same applies if it is necessary for school purposes.
Travel regulations / accommodation ban:
The existing regulations remain in place.
The regulations will go into effect on Oct. 19, 2020, and will remain in effect until Jan. 31, 2021.
