According to Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU), a “new form of freedom” is to come in Bavaria with new corona rules. In view of the progress in vaccination, there will definitely be no lockdown or strict restrictions like in the spring, said Söder after consultations with the Bavarian cabinet. Contact restrictions in private would be completely lifted.
According to the State Chancellery, there will no longer be a mask requirement outdoors. A protective mask only has to be worn in the “entrance and meeting areas” for larger events with more than 1,000 visitors. In contrast, the mask requirement remains for most closed rooms – for example for shops and public transport. However, medical protective masks may also be worn in the future. Currently in Bavaria only FFP2 masks are allowed in many places.
The “heart” of the new Corona regulation, which applies from September 2nd to October 1st inclusive, will be 3G, emphasized Söder. From Thursday, access to many indoor rooms should only be possible for those who have been completely vaccinated, those who have recovered and those who have tested negative. 3G will generally apply inside. The Prime Minister explained that there will be exceptions for local public transport, retail and private households. In the open air, a test should only be necessary for events with 1,000 or more visitors.
Discos are also allowed to open in October
At the beginning of October, clubs and discos should be allowed to reopen in Bavaria after more than a year and a half. Those who have neither been vaccinated nor recovered should have to present a current negative PCR test, so a quick test will not be enough. This opening is the “most courageous decision,” said Söder.
Relaxation for gastronomy, trade and events
According to the Prime Minister, the corona curfew will be abolished in the catering trade. In shops, there are no upper limits for customers depending on the number of square meters.
The rules are also to be relaxed for organizers of cultural and sporting events. “In principle, all events are possible again,” emphasized Söder. A hygiene concept is still necessary. The distinction between sitting and standing is abolished. With up to 5,000 visitors, the organizers are allowed to use all of the space available. In addition, 50 percent of the available spaces may be occupied. According to Söder, 5,500 visitors are allowed in a hall with 6,000 seats. If the minimum distance cannot be guaranteed, a mask is required for indoor events. If the minimum distance can be maintained, there is no need for a mask in the field.
Hospital traffic light replaces incidence value
The 7-day incidence, which has so far formed the basis for corona restrictions, will no longer be a decisive criterion. Instead, a hospital traffic light is introduced as a warning system that shows the occupancy of hospitals and intensive care units.
There will be two warning levels. The yellow level should apply as soon as 1,200 people in Bavaria are admitted to hospital because of Covid-19 within seven days. Then the state government wants to adopt stricter rules – for example an FFP2 mask requirement, contact restrictions, personal limits for events. The red warning level is reached when more than 600 corona patients are in the Bavarian intensive care units. Then the measures should be tightened again to prevent overloading the health system.
No alternating lessons in schools
In Bavaria’s schools there should be classroom teaching as a matter of principle. The incidence barriers for alternating and distance learning would be lifted, announced Söder. For the time being, there will also be a mask requirement in class. Tests are carried out three times a week in secondary schools and twice in elementary schools. The quarantine rules would be relaxed. Since students are tested regularly, according to Söders, the student ID will be sufficient as test evidence for access to indoor spaces.
Education Minister Michael Piazolo (Free Voters) emphasized that after the Whitsun celebrations it had become clear that “full face-to-face teaching and security can be reconciled”. The safety net at the schools is closely linked. The minister announced that school enrollment celebrations should also be made possible this year. Both parents should be able to participate.