Expanded Measures Explained

Expanded Measures Explained

In a joint agreement by the German federal and state governments, new measures have been implemented to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These measures are based on hospitalization incidence rates instead of the previous 7-day infection incidence, aiming to balance health system protection with keeping public life open when possible.

Starting from Christmas, there will be opportunities for first, second, or booster vaccinations. If demand is high, up to 30 million vaccinations could be administered.

Pharmacists, dentists, and other groups not explicitly mentioned in the resolution will be able to administer corona vaccinations in the future, based on new legal regulations.

The latest coronavirus measures include a system based on hospitalization incidence rates. If the hospitalization incidence exceeds 3 per 100,000 residents in the preceding 7 days, all public leisure and cultural facilities must operate under the "2G" rule – which means only vaccinated or recovered persons are allowed access. As hospitalizations grow, stricter "2G+" rules apply, requiring vaccinated or recovered individuals also to present a recent negative test. If the hospitalization incidence goes beyond 9 per 100,000, additional contact restrictions and tighter measures on gatherings are implemented.

Regarding gatherings, these measures specify that as hospitalizations grow, limits on group sizes and contacts can be introduced, but the exact rules depend on the hospitalized case thresholds.

In areas with an incidence above 350 infections per 100,000 inhabitants, all contacts should be reduced. A participant limit of 50 people (vaccinated and recovered) in indoor areas and 200 people (vaccinated and recovered) in outdoor areas applies for private parties and gatherings.

The German Bundestag is expected to decide soon on a general vaccination obligation. The federal and state governments have also agreed to establish an expanded crisis team in the Federal Chancellery to address logistics, vaccine supply, and distribution issues.

For events in closed rooms, a maximum of 30 to 50 percent of capacity may be used, up to a maximum of 5,000 spectators. For outdoor events, a maximum of 30 to 50 percent of capacity may be used, up to a maximum of 15,000 persons.

Strict contact restrictions will be imposed on unvaccinated people in all states. Private gatherings involving unvaccinated and non-recovered persons will be limited to the own household and a maximum of two persons from another household.

On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, there will be a ban on assembly throughout Germany. There will be a fireworks ban on public places defined by the municipalities, and the sale of pyrotechnics before New Year's Eve will be generally prohibited this year.

A mask requirement applies to all grades in schools. At least 2G (vaccinated and recovered) applies to events, possibly plus test. 2G (vaccinated and recovered) will apply nationwide and independently of the incidence in the future, also in retail, with exceptions made for shops of daily necessity.

In countries with a high infection rate, events should be cancelled where possible and sports events should be held without spectators. At the latest from an incidence of more than 350 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days, clubs and discotheques in indoor areas will be closed.

Medical masks must be worn at events. If no booster vaccination is administered, the status of "fully vaccinated" may be lost earlier. Access to cultural and recreational facilities will only be possible for the vaccinated and recovered, with an additional current test also being possible.

Exceptions will be made for those who cannot be vaccinated, those for whom there is no general vaccination recommendation, children and young people up to the age of 18, and shops of daily necessity. The federal government wants to introduce an "institution-based vaccination obligation for employees", for example in nursing homes and hospitals.

1. These new measures aim to balance health system protection with keeping public life open.
2. Starting from Christmas, vaccinations will be available for first, second, or booster doses.
3. Pharmacists, dentists, and other groups will be able to administer corona vaccinations in the future.
4. If hospitalization incidence exceeds 3 per 100,000 residents, all public facilities must operate under the "2G" rule.
5. As hospitalizations grow, stricter "2G+" rules apply, requiring vaccinated or recovered individuals to present a recent negative test.
6. If the hospitalization incidence goes beyond 9 per 100,000, additional contact restrictions and tighter measures on gatherings are implemented.
7. In areas with an incidence above 350 infections per 100,000 inhabitants, all contacts should be reduced.
8. A general vaccination obligation may be decided soon by the German Bundestag.
9. An expanded crisis team will be established in the Federal Chancellery to address logistics, vaccine supply, and distribution issues.
10. For events in closed rooms, a maximum of 30 to 50 percent of capacity may be used.
11. For outdoor events, a maximum of 30 to 50 percent of capacity may be used.
12. Strict contact restrictions will be imposed on unvaccinated people in all states.
13. Private gatherings involving unvaccinated and non-recovered persons will be limited.
14. On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, there will be a ban on assembly throughout Germany.
15. There will be a fireworks ban on public places this year.
16. A mask requirement applies to all grades in schools.
17. At least 2G applies to events, possibly plus test.
18. 2G will apply nationwide and independently of the incidence in the future, also in retail.
19. In countries with a high infection rate, sports events should be held without spectators.
20. Clubs and discotheques in indoor areas will be closed when the incidence reaches more than 350 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants.
21. Medical masks must be worn at events.
22. If no booster vaccination is administered, the status of "fully vaccinated" may be lost earlier.
23. Access to cultural and recreational facilities will only be possible for the vaccinated and recovered, with an additional current test also being possible.
24. Exceptions will be made for those who cannot be vaccinated, those for whom there is no general vaccination recommendation, children and young people up to the age of 18.
25. The federal government wants to introduce an "institution-based vaccination obligation for employees", for example in nursing homes and hospitals.
26. Sports such as football, basketball, European leagues, American football, NBA, WNBA, NFL, Serie A, Laliga, and NCAAs could be affected by these new measures.
27. Productivity and career development might be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting measures.
28. The gambling industry, including casino games, lotteries, Las Vegas, casino-and-gambling culture, casino personalities, policy and legislation, politics, online education, job-search, and general news might also be influenced by these developments.

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