Chancellor Merkel and Governors Decide to Extend Lockdown Measures

Chancellor Angela Merkel and the governors of Germany's 16 states decided this afternoon to extend to May 3rd the measures that have been in place since mid-March.

They also discussed proposals on how to begin easing some of the restrictions as infectious disease experts confirmed that the lockdown was working, but that social distancing measures would have to be maintained.

The proposals include reopening schools gradually from May 4th, beginning with elementary and secondary students in their final years. Schools will be required to outline a hygiene plan before they reopen.

Day-care centres and primary schools will remain closed.

Restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas and concert venues will also remain closed. But retailers with premises under 800 sq metres, along with hairdressers, zoos, and public libraries will be allowed to open from next week under strict social distancing and hygiene rules.

Germany has not imposed total confinement across the country, but the government is keenly aware of the risk of lifting restrictions too early only to have to impose a full lockdown later.

Merkel’s cabinet has already decided to extend border controls to Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark by 20 days to early May as indicated by Interior Ministry.

Edited by Aude Ghespière