That said the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on Wednesday in Berlin. However, protective measures such as wearing a mask and keeping your distance should be maintained. “We can look ahead with more confidence than we have been able to in recent weeks,” Scholz said on Wednesday after the federal and state government consultations.
“Very Special Day”
Scholz spoke of a “very special day” in the pandemic. Germany came through the omicron wave better than neighboring countries. The apex has now been reached. With the measures taken by the federal and state governments, health and life were protected and a lockdown could be prevented. But the pandemic is not over yet, said the Chancellor. Despite all the optimism, one should not become careless.
Vaccination should be prepared
The German Chancellor stuck to the goal of mandatory corona vaccination. Despite the easing planned for spring, it should not be forgotten that there will also be an autumn and a winter again, Scholz warned. Therefore, it remains right to prepare the legislation for a general vaccination requirement. “It will be necessary exactly when the weather starts to get colder again.” Most recently, the legislative process in the Bundestag had stalled.
Scholz and the 16 prime ministers agreed on a phased plan for lifting restrictions on Wednesday afternoon. In the first stage, the contact restrictions for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered, as well as 2G rules in retail, will fall. On March 4th, a 3G rule will apply again for restaurants and hotels (vaccinated, recovered, tested). Then discotheques and bars should also be able to reopen with a 2G Plus rule and new upper limits for major events should apply. The maximum limit for outdoor events should be increased to 25,000 visitors, indoors to 6,000 or a maximum occupancy of 60 percent.
From March 20th, all serious corona restrictions should then be lifted “if the situation in the hospitals allows it,” says the decision. However, the legal possibilities should be created for countries to be able to impose measures such as compulsory masks and certain test requirements afterwards. “We can look to the future with confidence,” said Scholz. However, the pandemic is not over, so some basic protective measures must be maintained for the period after March 20th. He will work to ensure that the necessary legal regulations are implemented in good time.
Source: Nachrichten
