As of today, Wednesday, further measures come into effect to help contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus. As a result, life in Frankfurt is also largely paralyzed. Because - and this cannot be said often enough - the best protection is to avoid contact as much as possible. Even if it is difficult, even if it requires sacrifice: Health protection simply comes first! After all, it's not just about your own health, but also that of people who may be part of the risk group.
That's why Mayor Peter Feldmann is appealing to the city's citizens to heed official recommendations to limit and delay the spread of the virus. "How we manage this crisis is to a significant extent in our hands. I therefore urge you to heed the advice given by offices, authorities and doctors, to help each other and to support public institutions in their work," Feldmann said.
Even if the weather is very nice right now and invites you to meet outside with friends, you should also refrain from doing so. Because the current assessment is that your own home is the safest place to be. "Please stay at home as much as possible," the mayor stressed. And, "Follow personal hygiene rules and wash your hands often and thoroughly."
City offices are now open only for urgent matters. "Not everything necessarily needs to be done now. Therefore, check whether the matter cannot be postponed. The personal appearance should be limited to absolute exceptions and requires an appointment," says Jan Schneider, Department Head for Citizen Services. Detailed instructions on this can be found on htttp://www.frankfurt.de. "In this way, both the requirements of infection control and the concerns of citizens that cannot be postponed are taken into account," Schneider emphasizes. At the same time, he asks for understanding that processing times can be longer.
Should it be unavoidable to go out the door, it is recommended to avoid large gatherings and keep your distance. This may mean keeping your distance from other passengers on public transit. Since this may not be possible, especially during rush hour, it is definitely better to ride a bike or walk. This is better for your health in many ways, as Health Officer Stefan Majer confirms: "These forms of transport strengthen the immune system and create inner balance". But again: even outdoors, it is urgent to keep your distance. "What we don't want to see are bunches of joggers packed tightly through our parks," says Majer. The same is true when eating at a restaurant. "Make sure to keep enough distance from other patrons in these cases as well," the health department official said. Likewise, standing as far apart as possible in lines such as supermarket checkouts serves to prevent everyone from getting sick. "Keeping your distance at these times is not a sign of rudeness, but serves to protect society. And especially in difficult situations, a smile is not contagious."
"Especially now, solidarity is more in demand than ever," underlines Peter Feldmann. Thus, house communities should support each other. "Ask parents who have to look after their children at home or elderly neighbors if you can help run errands for them," the city leader appeals to citizens. In doing so, he also addresses any business closures. "The supply of groceries and goods for daily needs remains guaranteed. Act in solidarity and buy only what is needed in the coming days. Whoever takes something away from others, acts unsolidaric!", underlines the head of the city.
