German authorities have again tightened coronavirus restrictions

The German authorities have tightened restrictive measures due to the spread of coronavirus until January 31. This, according to the German Spiegel, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Merkel said the new restrictions are an important step, especially after a new, more contagious strain of coronavirus began to spread from the UK around the world. “We need to be especially careful,” the chancellor assured.

During January, people who live in Germany will be able to contact only family members and only one person who does not live with them in the same house. Residents were asked to limit contact "to the absolute minimum".

Eating establishments will remain closed, but takeout and delivery will continue to be available. Restricted movement - if more than 200 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants are detected in one county within a week, people will be prohibited from moving more than 15 kilometers from their home without a good reason.

The federal government has said it will provide the opportunity to take paid leave for every parent, for single parents and for those who will be forced to look after children at home. Nursing homes should conduct more testing for the coronavirus, authorities said. Religious gatherings and worship services are allowed, but with social distancing and other precautions.

The chancellor and ministers will meet again on January 25 to discuss the next steps to prevent the spread of COVID.

Germany tightened anti-epidemic quarantine measures in mid-December. The restrictions that were then introduced were in effect until January 10. In particular, the authorities allowed to celebrate Christmas (December 24-25) only in a narrow family circle (maximum - 5 people), on New Year's Eve and directly on New Year's Eve, there was a ban on meetings throughout the country.