We are living in a really strange time right now. On the one hand, the Corona pandemic is still pervasive. What a too careless handling with the distance and hygiene rules for consequences can have, that shows itself particularly in the USA very clearly. On the other hand, however, the number of cases in Germany continues to be pleasingly low, so that normality can return more and more - in the hope that the numbers will not rise drastically again as a result of further relaxations.
But although there are some people who throw every appeal to reason to the wind, many still adhere to the established rules. And that is why the Corona Cabinet of the Hesse State Government has decided to further relax the measures in the fight against the Corona virus. The new relaxations concern in particular the contact restrictions at events, in theatres or cinemas as well as the visiting possibilities in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and workshops for the disabled.
Infection rates are crucial criterion
"Infection rates remain low. This is a decisive criterion for us to decide on further relaxations. The next steps are now possible. We have decided that more people will be able to attend sporting events or fairs or go to the theatre again. Nevertheless, we must remain prudent and continue to observe distance and hygiene rules. We have not overcome the pandemic and do not want to run the risk of having to take back facilitations. Therefore, I ask you to continue to be prudent," said Prime Minister Volker Bouffier today in Wiesbaden.
In the area of contact and operational restrictions applies from 6. July:
At events such as fairs or concerts, as well as in theaters and cinemas, the five-square-meter rule for seating and the ten-square-meter rule for standing room will be lifted. As a general rule, the minimum distance of 1.5 metres must be maintained. As a guideline, three square metres should be available for each person. This can be deviated from, for example, in theaters and cinemas, if there is a hygiene concept that provides for protective measures such as wearing an everyday mask.
Visiting sporting events and competitions is also possible again if the three-square-metre rule and a hygiene concept are adhered to.
The ten-square-metre rule for shops is also abolished. However, the mandatory minimum distance of 1.5 metres will remain. As a guideline, there should also be three square metres for each person.
Further, two households or a maximum of ten people can be together without a minimum distance at events and in public spaces.
For indoor events where spectator seating is taken, seating should be personalized to allow for tracking in case of infection. This does not apply to table parties.
Club and meeting rooms can be used again. The five-square-foot rule also does not apply in locker rooms. Instead, the general spacing requirements of five feet apply.
Grilling and picnicking in public is generally allowed again.
Events with more than 250 visitors must still be approved by the health department.
Public dancing remains prohibited.
The following regulations apply to visits to hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and facilities for the disabled as of 15. July:
Visits to rehabilitation hospitals are unrestricted.
In hospitals, the patient may receive a total of two visits in the first six days. A maximum of two people are allowed per visit. After the seventh day, visits may be received by a maximum of two persons each day.
Disabled facilities may be entered by all citizens, provided they are healthy and have had no contact with COVID patients.
All regulations are effective until August 16, 2020.
