Berlin Reopens Fitness Studios, Pubs, Gyms, Ballet Schools, Casinos

The city state of Berlin is lifting more Corona restrictions today, ten weeks after the lockdown took effect. Several kinds of businesses have the right to reopen right now. The same applies to churches, mosques and synagogues.

In the past weeks, Corona bans and restrictions were eased step by step several times. Another step is being taken today. Even the contact rules are changing. Up to five persons from two households may come together from now on. A household is comprised of life partners, married or not, children they have custody for, and flatmates. The rule applies in public, at home, in restaurants or pubs.

Pubs and Shisha Bars Open

Other than that, people still have to keep their distance to each other in all situations. In most of Germany, this applies until June 29th, 2020, in its capital even until July 4th. The sixteen federal states partially have different rules.

While restaurants in Berlin reopened more than two weeks ago, pubs and Shisha bars are back in business starting today. Of course there are strict rules. Guests have to adhere to the distance rules. Drinks and meals may only be consumed at tables, meaning gathering at the bar is not an option.

Sports in Groups Allowed

Casinos and gambling halls are allowed to reopen today as well. Here, the same rules apply. But discotheques and clubs remain closed because being close while dancing and drinking is what these kinds of establishments are all about. The danger in regard to the Coronavirus is just too big.

But it will be a lot easier to get back into sports activities. Starting today, June 2nd, 2020, groups of up to twelve people may engage in sports. This applies both indoors and outdoors. Ballet schools and fitness centers are allowed to open today as well. Here, customers will have to keep a distance of 3 meters (10 feet) while they are training.

Outdoor and Indoor Events

What outdoor events are concerned, up to 200 people may take part in them starting today. That number will increase to 500 on June 16th and to 1,000 on June 30th. Different numbers apply to indoor events. From today, up to 150 individuals may be part of those. What protests are concerned, the number of participants is already unlimited, as long as the distance rule is being followed.

There is more: Starting today, open air cinemas may finally reopen. Of course, the usual distance rules apply. Indoor cinemas have the right to reopen on June 30th.

Family Events and Prayer

Important family events, such as weddings or funerals, are legal again today as long as the maximum number of guests does not exceed 50. Indoor prayer services at churches, mosques and synagogues are allowed again too, with up to 200 participants and the usual rules.

The easing of some restrictions applies in spite of several local Coronavirus outbreaks in homes for the elderly, churches and slaughterhouses in several parts of Germany.

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