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Berlin Gets Rid of Indoor Contact Restrictions

In the city state of Berlin, the Senate just changed the Corona rules. Starting on Saturday, the old restrictions in regard to indoor gatherings will not apply anymore. At the same time, the maximum number of participants at cultural events outdoors is supposed to grow substantially.

Berlin, July 7th, 2021 (The Berlin Spectator) — It is one of the biggest steps towards normality yet. From Saturday, July 10th, 2021, private indoor gatherings in Berlin will not be limited to a certain number of people anymore. Health Senator Dilek Kalayci stated this was a “courageous step”. Most virologists would probably agree. At this stage, up to ten people from up to five households may meet indoors. Recently, the Senate had increased the limit for outdoor meetings to 100 persons.

Outdoor Dance Events

In spite of the fact that Berlin’s Seven Day Incidence just rose the second day in a row, the rules for indoor events were just eased too. Up to 1,000 people may take part. Under certain conditions and when industrial air purifiers are available, the maximum number of participants doubles. Outdoors, up to 2,000 individuals may join events as long as all hygiene rules are being adhered to. In some cases, and with a permission from the Senate Administration of Health, up to 5,000 persons may join events in Berlin. But the Seven Day Incidence needs to be below 35.

Dance events outdoors with up to 1,000 people will be legal too, starting this coming weekend. There are rules that need to be followed at all events though: When there are more than 20 participants, everyone needs a reserved seat. At shops, museums and zoos, 5 square meters (54 square feet) of space need to be allocated to each visitor or customer. At indoor gatherings or events of any kind with more than 50 participants, Corona tests are mandatory.

Masks in ‘Proximal Services’ Field

The compulsory mask rule was changed slightly. In most cases, medical masks will suffice wherever masks are required. But in public transport and in the area of “proximal services” such as massages, everyone needs to wear FFP2 standard masks. Reservations in advance for sightseeing tours or similar endeavors in buses or boats will not be required anymore. But Corona tests are, if the participants enter closed rooms. There is more: The alcohol ban on parking lots was dumped. It will not apply anymore from Saturday.

In neighboring Brandenburg, the Potsdam government intends to allow events with up to 25,000 people this summer. This rule is part of an agreement between the federal states and the Chancellery, meaning it should apply everywhere, at least in theory.

Increasing Incidence Levels

The Incidence for Germany just rose slightly, to 5.1. Berlin now stands at 5.6 and Brandenburg at 2.6. Saxony-Anhalt remains the state with the lowest Incidence, namely 1.0. With 8.7, Bremen has the highest Incidence in the country right now.

All relevant Corona numbers for Germany, and daily Corona updates, can be found in our Corona chronology.

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