At a video conference with the Prime Ministers of the federal states, the Chancellor agreed that pubs, bars, restaurants, theaters and cinemas would be closed by the end of November, while schools, kindergartens and shops would remain open. Gathering will also be limited, with a maximum of ten people from a maximum of two households being able to meet.
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“We have agreed on very tough measures,” Merkel said. Berlin Mayor Michael Müller and Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder also agreed at the press conference, calling today a day of difficult decisions.
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According to the chancellor, it is necessary to proceed with the quarantine, which she described as “partial closure”, because the spread of coronavirus is accelerating dramatically. Merkel said the epidemic was spreading exponentially and that while the Robert Koch Institute had reported nearly 15,000 infections on Tuesday, it was half a week ago.
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Merkel called on citizens to consider the need for trips and visits by relatives. She pointed out that tourist accommodation in hotels would not be possible during the closure and that only the necessary business trips would be allowed.
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Müller said that if the public follows the measures in solidarity and responsibility in the next four weeks, then there are good prospects for managing the crisis and improving adverse developments. Söder also called for solidarity.
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