Germany plans to remove most restrictions in March

Liberated, delivered… Germany plans to gradually remove, from March 20, most of the restrictions put in place to combat the Covid-19 epidemic, according to a government plan unveiled on Monday.

“By early spring, March 20, 2022, restrictions on social, cultural and economic life should be gradually lifted,” says an eight-page document that will serve as the basis for discussions at a meeting on Wednesday between the government and the German regions.

On this date, the country could thus abolish or limit the vaccination obligations which condition access to the main places of social or cultural life. The rules encouraging companies to allow their employees to telework as much as possible should also disappear.

Waiver under certain conditions

However, the document specifies that employers will be able, under conditions, to continue to offer work from home in agreement with employees. The wearing of surgical or FFP2 type masks should however remain compulsory, especially in transport or enclosed spaces.

Initially, without yet specifying a precise date, the ceiling concerning the number of people authorized during private gatherings, for the moment limited to 10 people vaccinated or cured, may soon be increased to 20. In addition, access controls in retail businesses should soon be abolished throughout Germany.

In a second step, from March 4, restrictions in restaurants and hotels should disappear and clubs and discos should be able to reopen for people who have been vaccinated, cured or tested. The gauges in sports enclosures should also be removed but major events will be accessible only on presentation of the vaccination pass.