Maypole? May hikes? Demonstrations? We explain what is and is not allowed this year because of the corona pandemic.
There are many traditions and breaks around May 1st – especially in Bavaria. In addition to maypoles, hikes and excursions, demonstrations and protest trains are usually part of May Day. However, the corona pandemic is restricting this time. We explain what is allowed and what is not.
Are demos and rallies allowed on May 1st?
From May 4th, meetings of up to 50 people will be possible again. The Bavarian government decided on Tuesday. However, some rules apply to such events. They can only take place outdoors and in a fixed location and must not last longer than an hour. The participants must keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters. In addition, there should be “only one event per day on one topic”, said Interior Minister Joachim Hermann. In individual cases, meetings are possible from May 1 under these conditions. According to Hermann, the decision is made by the local authorities. In Wrzburg, for example, demonstrations on the holiday are basically possible, town hall spokesman Christian Wei said. Several meetings had already taken place in Wrzburg last week.
There are many traditions around May 1st. Is it allowed to put up maypoles?
A maypole is allowed if the installation is done by a private company or local authority, reports Verena Emmer, spokeswoman for the Bavarian Ministry of Health. However, watching it was not a good reason to leave the apartment. The police will dissolve crowds of onlookers, said Emmer.
Will there be May festivals or the so-called May fires this year?
Events are still not allowed. Therefore, there will be no May festivals this time, the spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health announced. May fires must not be ignited either.
Can I take a May hike on the holiday?
There is nothing wrong with that, said Oliver Platzer, spokesman for the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior. However, the hike should take place in the vicinity – and only with members of your own household or with another person. “If you meet a person who does not belong to your own household, you can only be two,” says Platzer. A hike between two families is therefore not possible. The Ministry of the Interior also discourages longer trips.
Can I take a motorcycle tour on May 1st?
A jaunt by car or motorcycle is currently not allowed, Platzer informs. The same applies to trips by motorboat.
Can I lie in the sun in parks or by lakes?
This is permitted alone or with members of your own household, the Ministry of the Interior announced on its website. However, it is important to maintain the minimum distance of 1.5 meters from others.
What activities do I have to wear a protective mask for?
The mask requirement continues to apply. Anyone traveling on public transport on May 1st must wear a protective mask, said the spokesman for the Interior Ministry. To briefly cover your mouth and nose, a scarf or a scarf is also sufficient. This does not apply to children under the age of six and people who cannot wear a mask for health reasons. However, they must have a medical certificate with them.
Can I wear a mask when driving a car?
Platzer says that is allowed. If the eyes are recognizable, this is usually sufficient to recognize the driver, for example on a speed camera photo. “But it is also clear that as a driver you shouldn’t be ‘completely masked’ in the car to be unrecognizable.” In such cases, the police would intervene. In addition, a protective mask should not interfere with the driver’s view, for example because it is too large or has the glasses fogged up.
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