As expected, the corona situation in Germany will worsen again in autumn. The number of new infections every day is loud RKI on 31.03.2022 at 274,901. The 7-day incidence rate across Germany is 1,625.1. There are strict 2G or 3G rules for almost all industries and areas, depending on the federal state and current values. We will regularly inform you about the most important decisions here in the Corona news ticker. You can find on the website of Federal government In addition, an overview of which restrictions currently apply in the individual federal states.

** An overview of the measures**

News Ticker (as of 03.03.2022)

Update (03.03.2022)

The Novavax vaccine

After almost a year after the first protective mRNA vaccine was approved in the European Union, the first protein-based corona vaccine has now also received conditional approval. The vaccine contains coronavirus-like particles with the corona protein “spike protein.” It is therefore based on a different technology than the most commonly used mRNA preparations so far. Vaccination stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. If the vaccinated person comes into contact with this coronavirus later on, it is quickly recognized by the immune system and combated in a targeted manner. Two doses are injected approximately three weeks apart. The first federal states have already begun to administer the drug. Employees who have not yet been vaccinated will receive the vaccine as a priority, who will be subject to the institution-related vaccination requirement from mid-March.

Update (24.02.2022)

New corona rules apply again in many federal states. Here is a brief overview:

Baden-Württemberg

Clubs are allowed to reopen under strict conditions, there is a 2G plus.

Public events (theatre shows, concerts, cinema, sporting events and congresses) may take place indoors with a maximum of 60 percent of the approved capacity and a maximum of 6000 visitors.

bavaria

For cultural and sporting events, public and private events, trade fairs, congresses, meetings and a number of leisure facilities such as indoor playgrounds, the 2G rule applies instead of 2G Plus. The 3G rule applies to music schools, gyms, solariums, libraries, archives, museums, amateur acting or brass band music. This means that unvaccinated people with a negative test have access to these facilities again. This also applies to the entire higher education sector.

25,000 people may attend cultural and sporting events.

brandenburg

Contact restrictions for private meetings of vaccinated and recovered people have been lifted. The 2G plus rule in restaurants has also been lifted. From March 4, unvaccinated people with a negative test may also visit restaurants.

The 3G rule has been reintroduced for so-called body-related services (hairdressing, cosmetics).

hamburg

From 19.02.2022, contact restrictions for vaccinated and recovered people in the private sector have been abolished in Hamburg. The curfew for restaurants has also been lifted. The admission restrictions for retailers have been removed.

hessen

There are no longer any contact restrictions for vaccinated or recovered people. Unvaccinated people may only meet with a maximum of two people from another household in their own household.

Lower Saxony

In Lower Saxony, there is no test requirement for boosted people (proof at least 28, maximum 90 days old), those who have recovered and for people with a second vaccination (for 90 days). Individual sports (golf, athletics) with a distance of at least 1.5 meters are once again possible with 3G.

North Rhine Westphalia

All private contact restrictions for fully vaccinated and recovered people are abolished. Contact restrictions for non-immunized people will remain in place until March 19.

There are no more access restrictions in retail. It is mandatory to wear a medical mask.

Rhineland-Palatinate

The 2G regulation in Rhineland-Palatinate retail has been abolished.

In addition, contact restrictions for recovered and vaccinated people are completely abolished. However, the restrictions still apply to unvaccinated people.

saarland

There are no longer any restrictions on private meetings between vaccinated and recovered people. For unvaccinated people, contact restrictions remain in place until March 19.

The mask requirement in retail stores continues to apply. Wearing a medical mask is enough.

Saxony-Anhalt

An emergency decree was issued. Employees in certain professional groups are now entitled to emergency care for their children if educators are absent due to infection figures.

Schleswig-Holstein

Contact restrictions for vaccinated and recovered people are no longer applicable. For meetings attended by unvaccinated people, there is a maximum limit of 25 people.

Unvaccinated people should be able to participate in parts of public life again from March 3. The prerequisite is that they must present a negative test.

Update (17.02.2022)

The following easing measures have been decided

The federal and state governments have agreed to ease the corona rules. This should be done in three steps. From March 20, most of the measures are to be abolished.

1st step:

Private meetings:

Vaccinated and recovered people may meet again in groups of any size. However, the restrictions for unvaccinated people will remain in place until March 19. The meeting is limited to one's own household and to up to two people from another household. Children and adolescents up to the age of 14 are excluded.

retail:

As a first step, access restrictions will be removed if this has not yet been done. The obligation to wear a medical mask still applies.

2nd step:

Restaurants, hotels and clubs:

3G instead of 2G. From March 4, access to catering will be made possible for the vaccinated, recovered and people with a daily negative test. Discotheques and clubs are opened for recovered and vaccinated people with daily tests or with a third vaccination.

Major events:

Recovered and vaccinated people can attend major events as spectators. For indoor events, a capacity utilization of 60 percent of the respective maximum capacity is planned. The number of spectators must not exceed 25,000. The mask requirement still applies.

3rd step:

If the situation in hospitals allows this, all far-reaching protective measures will be abolished from March 20. The home office requirement should also no longer apply. However, employers can still offer employees home offices.

Should the infection rate worsen after March 20, 2022, the Federal Government should initiate the necessary legislative procedures for new protective measures.

Update (09.02.2022)

Adjustment of corona rules with careful opening steps

The following decisions were taken today for the various federal states.

Baden-Württemberg

BW lifted the 3G rules in retail on February 9. However, masks are still compulsory there, just as in other indoor spaces. The curfew in the catering industry is no longer applicable. The clubs remain closed, trade fairs and exhibitions are cancelled for the time being. Public events (theatre, cinema, sporting events, congresses) may only be used up to 50 percent. 2,000 visitors are allowed indoors and 5,000 outdoors. The 2G regulation applies here.

bavaria

Bavaria is easing its regulations. As a result, the curfew in the catering industry is no longer applicable. Hairdressers or cosmetic treatments are now only 3G. At sporting events, 50 percent of seats can now be occupied. Cinemas and theaters may also use up to 75 percent of their capacity.

berlin

In Berlin, attendance at sports events, in restaurants and their accommodation establishments no longer has to be documented. There is no test requirement for boosted people. Even freshly recovered and freshly (double) vaccinated people no longer need to be tested in the first three months. The recovery status is only valid for three months (after the positive PCR test).

bremen

Starting today, you can also go shopping in Bremen without the 2G certificate. However, an FFP2 mask must still be worn. Restaurants and cafés, leisure and cultural institutions no longer have to carry out contact tracing.

brandenburg

From February 9, customers can return to stores without proof of vaccination and recovery; the mask remains mandatory.

Schleswig-Holstein

The retail sector is open to everyone, masks are mandatory. Visits to leisure and cultural institutions remain limited to 2G. In restaurants, gyms, fun and leisure pools, the 2G-Plus remains the same.

Rhineland - Palatinate

In Rhineland-Palatinate, boosted people who have had contact with an infected person no longer have to go into isolation. The regulation is valid until February 28.

Update (08.12.2021)

Extension of bridging aid III Plus

The federal and state governments have agreed to extend the application deadline for bridging aid, including restart aid, by three months until March 31, 2022. Die Bridging aid In addition to operational fixed costs, III Plus also subsidizes new investments in hygiene concepts and digitization, which are financed up to 100%.
Read more about this and why the Socialwave Marketing Package is eligible here.

Update (25.11.2021)

The number of new corona infections and the number of severe cases of illness are currently rising rapidly. Federal and state governments therefore have the following on November 18 rules decided:

3G regulation in the workplace

Nationwide, only recovered, vaccinated or tested people may visit their workplace (3G regulation). Compliance with this 3G regulation should be checked and documented by the employer on a daily basis. To this end, all employers must also have appropriate information rights vis-à-vis employees. Employers also continue to offer at least twice a week a free test option on. Where there are no operational reasons to the contrary, work from home (home office) should be made possible.

3G regulation in passenger transport

In Public transport and regional and long-distance trains In addition to the applicable mask requirement, the 3G rule be introduced. If passengers have not been vaccinated or recovered, they must carry proof of a negative rapid corona test when using a means of transport. At the start of the journey, the test must not have been taken more than 24 hours ago.

2-G regulation in passenger transport

Is the threshold of Hospitalization rate of 3 Exceeded, countries can take special measures to break the infection dynamic. For example, access to leisure events and facilities, cultural events and facilities, sporting events and exercises, catering facilities and other events - indoors - and, in principle, to body-related services and accommodation can be accessed by the vaccinated and recovered (2G regulation) can be limited. The intensity of implementation takes into account the regional infection rate. Compliance with access regulations is being monitored consistently and even more intensively than before.

Additional protective measures can also be taken for vaccinated and recovered people if the Hospitalization rate worth 6 exceeds. defiance 2G Can a negative test result then be required (2G plus). This will mainly be done in places where the risk of infection is particularly high due to the number of people and the more difficult compliance with hygiene measures, in particular in discotheques, clubs and bars. For people who cannot be vaccinated and for people for whom there is no general vaccination recommendation, exceptions to 2G and 2Gplus are possible to enable participation. Is the value of hospitalization rate above 9, The respective countries will consistently use the further options offered by the Infection Protection Act.

Update (28.10.2021)

Obligation to enter contact details is no longer necessary in many places

In some federal states, the obligation to collect contact data in restaurants, bars and pubs has now been lifted. In Bavaria, for example, since October 15, only clubs, discotheques, brothels and comparable leisure facilities have been required to collect contact details. Contact data collection is also no longer necessary in North Rhine-Westphalia or Schleswig-Holstein. In addition, easing applies largely in Hesse, partly in Saarland and with an incidence below 35 in Saxony.

Update (02.09.2021)

Relaxation of corona measures in Bavaria

As of today (02.09.2021), new regulations relating to Covid-19 apply in Bavaria. The changes are valid until 01.10.2021 and are summarized below.

• Abolition of FFP2 mask requirement. From now on, a surgical mask is sufficient.
• Abolition of the incidence value as an applicable criterion and the abolition of all incidence-related measures, with the exception of the 3G rule from an incidence of 35.
• Two-stage Hospital traffic light as a new indicator:
• Yellow level: Within a week, at least 1200 corona patients admitted to Bavarian hospitals. The FFP2 mask requirement applies again, so do contact restrictions and events require a negative PCR test and maximum number of participants.
• Red level: Valid from the date from at least 600 corona patients in the beds of intensive care units lie down. In contrast to the yellow level, this level is independent of a period of time. In doing so, the state government is adopting further measures to prevent overloading hospitals.
• General Contact restrictions are completely omitted.
• No person limit for meetings and religious services, insofar as the 3G rule applies. Otherwise, the previous rules apply.
• Die curfew in the gastronomy omitted.
• The 3G rule remains unchanged. In elderly- and nursing homes as well as on gauging and events With over 1000 people, this is independent of incidence both indoors and outdoors. In trafficking, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, in private premises and with events In turn, it does not apply outdoors up to a number of 1000 participants.
• hotels and Pensions can reallocate their rooms without contact restrictions, but guests must present a negative test upon arrival and every 72 hours.
• In trafficking, with services, Recreational facilities and on gauging The area-based restriction of persons does not apply. gauging However, a maximum of 50,000 people may visit it daily.
• None Personal limits more for private and public events. sports and cultural events may only guarantee 100 percent occupancy of the premises for a maximum of 5000 people. From 5,000 people, only 50 percent of the remaining capacities can be used. By contrast, more than 25,000 visitors are not allowed. If the minimum distance cannot be maintained, masks must be worn. Organizers must present an infection protection concept to the district administration authority without being asked, provided that the number of persons is at least 1,000

Clubs and discotheques open from October

Clubs and discotheques in Bavaria should open from the beginning of October. The time until then is seen as a cart time during which the government wants to observe how returnees influence the infection process.

Update (23.08.2021)

The 3G rule comes into force immediately

Since today (23.08.2021), the so-called 3G rule nationwide in force. Germany is currently at the beginning of the fourth wave, which the new regulations are intended to largely prevent. For citizens, this means that access in many places is only available as vaccinated, tested or recovered person is possible. The federal government applies the 3G rule primarily to indoor spaces. These include hospitals, indoor catering, accommodation and body-related services. In addition, the new rule applies to public institutions such as swimming pools. Even for (private) events, all participants must be recovered, tested or vaccinated.

However, countries are free to exempt districts or cities with a very low infection rate from the 3G regulation. More detailed information and a detailed list of affected areas can be found on the official website of Federal government.

Update (11.08.2021)

New decisions from autumn 2021

Yesterday (10.08.2021), the states agreed on new corona rules for the coming fall 2021.
From 11.10.2021 Should now Corona test for all German citizens chargeable become. Only people for whom there is no vaccination recommendation are excluded. They still have the option of free rapid tests. Children, pregnant women and underage adolescents are particularly affected here. The federal states justify this with a sufficient supply of vaccinations for all citizens in Germany, which is why the assumption of the costs by the state is no longer considered appropriate.

In addition, you must Vaccinated and recovered Do not go into quarantine anymore without symptoms, even in close contact with infected people. Die Exemption from the quarantine requirement This also applies to returns from high-risk areas. Here, too, the usual 10-14 day quarantine is no longer necessary.

From 23.08.2021 There are once again stricter access rules for many interiors. Starting at one Incidence of 35 Access will be restricted again. For unvaccinated people, this means that a negative rapid antigen test must be presented. Institutions such as hospitals, gyms, hotels, indoor catering, etc. as well as body-related services are affected here.

Update (09.08.2021)

Increase in corona patients in intensive care units

With the increasing number of new corona infections, there has now also been an increase in Covid patients receiving intensive care. This is confirmed by the President of the German Society of Internal Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DGIIN), Christian Karagiannidis. A week ago, there were around 360 Covid patients who needed intensive care, this week the figure is 420. Many experts associate the clear increase with the dominant delta variant. Particularly in view of the coming autumn and winter months, fears of a renewed heavy burden on the healthcare system are increasing. However, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is giving the all-clear for now.
More than 54% percent of German citizens have already been fully vaccinated. According to the RKI, all approved vaccines also protect against the delta variant of the virus. Further rising infection figures can thus be counteracted with increased vaccinations.

In addition, further limits are currently being discussed again, which should be taken into account with regard to corona measures. Hospital utilization and hospital admission are considered particularly intensively here.

Update (20.07.2021)

New rules in Hesse too

After the corona measures have largely been relaxed in northern Germany, there is also hessen on. Since yesterday (19.07.2021), new rules have now been in force in Hesse. These primarily concern gastronomy as well as cultural and public events.

Corona rules for gastronomy:
In catering, there is no obligation to provide negative proof indoors. In this way, restaurants, bars or similar locations can be visited in the future without having to carry out a corona test beforehand. However, the obligation to cover your mouth and nose on the way to the seat remains in place.

Corona rules for events:
From next Thursday (22.07.2021), events with more than 25 people may take place again in Hesse without them having to be registered and approved for the time being. The maximum number of people in closed rooms has been raised to 750 people. 1500 people will be able to take part in outdoor events in the future. In addition, there is no test requirement for events involving less than 100 people. In principle, fully vaccinated and recovered people are not counted among the maximum number of participants here either.
Discotheques and clubs remain closed until further notice.

Update (16.07.2021)

Falling case numbers lead to further openings in the north

Northern Germany Introduce further opening measures! Depending on the incidence value, these vary from state to state. However, the incidence limits are applied uniformly. For example, the rules in northern Germany, some of which are still very strict, are currently being adapted to easing measures from other parts of Germany. With the expiry of the nationwide emergency brake, new rules now also apply in Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Hamburg.

In Lower Saxony A new Corona ordinance came into force today (16.07.2021). This applies in particular to the area of cultural events. Until now, major events were strictly prohibited, but the new Lower Saxony ordinance now allows events with up to 25,000 people. However, events of this size must be registered in advance and reviewed and approved by the responsible authorities. This depends strictly on the location and the 7-day incidence rate. However, the basic requirement is a sustained incidence value of less than 35. In addition, Clubs and discotheques reopened. Guests must present a negative test or proof of vaccination or recovery. Mask and distance requirements are omitted.
At the same time, new Contact restrictions. Depending on incidence, meetings of up to 25 people indoors and up to 50 people outdoors are now allowed. The decisive factor here is that this is possible without a previous corona test.

Auch Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and hamburg rely on further easing. Everyday life should get a bit closer to normal again. For example, the mask requirement has been abolished in many areas of the public since the end of June.

Update (02.07.2021)

The federal emergency brake was lifted - Further easing in art and culture

Since yesterday (01.07.2021), it's finally that time again - cinemas may reopen, albeit subject to conditions. Depending on the federal state, the corona protection measures are implemented differently, but these are largely limited to the obligation to wear a mouth and nose covering. Distance control of 1.5 meters and adequate air circulation are also decisive factors for cinema operators to prevent corona infections.

For concerts, theatre and more cultural events The existing regulations regarding the obligation to wear masks and the minimum distance apply on the part of visitors. The number of participants depends on the incidence rate, the venue (indoor or outdoor) and the number of standing or seats available. However, this is usually between 1,000 and 1,500 visitors - including recovered and vaccinated people.

Update (22.06.2021)

Digital vaccination certificate

In order to always have your vaccination certificate with you, there is now also the digital option to save your vaccination certificate on your smartphone.

A corresponding app must be installed on your mobile phone - the new CovPass app or the Corona warning app. Both apps are available on the App Store and Google Play Store. If you are vaccinated, the vaccination will be entered in your yellow vaccination certificate as usual. In addition, a so-called “2D barcode” is created for you during vaccination. You can scan the barcode with your smartphone and the respective app then stores the vaccination certificate locally on your smartphone. This allows guests, customers and visitors to show it on their smartphones wherever a vaccination certificate is required. The digital vaccination certificate offer is volunteered!

Update (07.06.2021)

Overview of federal states on opening up the hotel industry, holiday apartments and campsites

Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria

The two southern federal states have already relaxed their corona rules for overnight stays in tourism during the Pentecost weekend. If the incidence is below 100 for five days in a row, overnight stays in hotels, holiday apartments, guesthouses and campsites are allowed again. Guests need proof of vaccination or recovery, or a negative test, which must be renewed every three days. This rule does not apply to an incidence below 50, in which case the obligation to renew the test is waived. Cable cars, tour buses or excursion boats can also start again to a limited extent.

Berlin and Brandenburg

There has been a uniform agreement here and will open the doors again from June 11 for private overnight stays in hotels and the like. Guests must present a negative corona test every three days.

hamburg

Since June 1, tourists have been allowed to stay overnight in the Hanseatic city again. Hotels, holiday apartments and campsites are allowed to receive private travelers. Here too, the prerequisites include compliance with strict hygiene requirements and the presentation of a negative corona test. A PCR test must be no more than 48 hours old, a rapid test only 12 hours old. In addition, companies are only allowed to use 60 percent of their capacity. Renting out private living space to tourists is still prohibited. Port and city tours are also allowed under the usual hygiene requirements.

hessen

The Hessian state government has adopted a step-by-step plan for further corona opening steps. The prerequisite for the easing is that the incidence falls below 100 for five consecutive working days. Stage 1 then takes effect, where hotels, holiday homes and apartments, youth hostels and campsites can open subject to conditions. In companies with communal facilities such as breakfast rooms, the following applies: a maximum occupancy rate of 60 percent, a corona test upon arrival and a further two times a week.

The second stage of the opening plan applies when the incidence is below 100 for a further 14 consecutive days after level 1 or as soon as it falls below 50 for five consecutive days. As soon as this is the case, capacity utilization may be increased to 75 percent; the testing requirement remains in place.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Since the Pentecost weekend, local guests have been able to go on vacation in their own federal state again. For guests from the other federal states, the starting signal was on 04.06. A negative corona test must be presented upon arrival, but this does not have to be repeated every three days. However, for hotel guests who have breakfast there or visit the in-house restaurant, the previous three-day rule remains in place.

By the way, day tourists will be able to return to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania from June 11.

Lower Saxony

Overnight tourist accommodation is possible where the seven-day incidence is below 100 in districts and district-free cities. Hotels and other districts can be occupied by up to 80 percent if the incidence is below 50 percent; if the incidence is below 35, the limit is even omitted altogether. Guests are allowed to come from all over Germany — with a negative test or proof of recovery or complete vaccination. For example, holidays on the North Sea, in the Heide or in the Lower Saxon part of the Harz are possible again.

North Rhine Westphalia

With a seven-day incidence above 50 and not higher than 100, hotels may open for overnight stays with breakfast without capacity limits, but without further indoor catering. The same applies here again — negative test upon arrival, which must be repeated every three days, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or have recovered. Holiday homes and campsites may also reopen.

Rhineland-Palatinate

In hotels, guests can be served both inside and outside, and breakfast is also allowed as a buffet. Spa services are available to hotel guests subject to conditions. The test requirement remains every 48 hours.

saarland

Overnight stays in hotels, guesthouses, youth hostels and campsites are possible again with a hygiene concept and subject to conditions, as are tourist coach and boat trips. Travelers must present a negative test, which must be repeated every 48 hours for stays of several days.

saxony

Campsites and holiday apartments in Saxony can once again accommodate guests. Hotels and guesthouses, on the other hand, will have to wait until June 14. If incidence rates are stable below 100, they may then open subject to conditions. Tourist bus trips should then also be possible again.

Saxony-Anhalt

Overnight stays at campsites or in holiday apartments — i.e. where guests can eat themselves — are allowed. With a stable incidence below 35, youth hostels and holiday camps have been allowed to open since Wednesday. Bus trips and city tours are also allowed again wearing masks. Hotels may also reopen here if a seven-day incidence rate in the relevant district or district-free city is below 100 for five consecutive working days. From five days under 50, the rules should be further relaxed.

Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein is open to tourists from all over Germany. Overnight guests must bring a negative corona test that is no more than 48 hours old and renew it every three days. Outdoor catering has been allowed in the North for a long time, and indoor catering has now also been allowed. There, guests must present a negative corona test, with the exception of overnight guests in “their” respective hotel.

thuringia

Since June 2, campsites and holiday apartments can be booked from a stable incidence of less than 100. Coach events are then allowed for day tourist offers, and if the incidence is below 50, trips lasting several days. Hotels and guesthouses will then also be able to accommodate guests — with only 60 percent occupancy and indoor catering only for overnight guests. Guests must also present a negative corona test or proof of vaccination or recovery. Contact tracing must also be possible.

Further easing - Bavaria lifts the disaster

Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder has initiated further easing for the Free State. As of today (07.06.2021), new rules apply to citizens, as well as in the retail, hotel and catering industries. Furthermore, they are Incidence limits now at 50 and 100 nationwide has been defined. This is intended to ensure consistency and clarity.
The following rules now apply in Bavaria:

gastronomy:

One of the easing measures concerns the catering sector: From today, indoor catering can reopen! Below the incidence value 50, this is possible without testing and appointment and until midnight. The 2-hour curfew extension also applies to outdoor areas in restaurants and cafés. The existing contact restrictions and hygiene measures apply at the table itself. However, pure taverns such as bars or pubs are not yet allowed to open. Neither are the clubs.

hotel industry:

Guests can now be received as part of contact restrictions (10 people with an incidence of less than 50 and 10 people from a maximum of 3 households with a value of between 50 and 100). In counties and cities with an incidence value below 50, hotel guests must only present a negative corona test upon arrival. In areas where the incidence is between 50 and 100, the 48-hour test requirement remains in place.

Recreational facilities:

There are similar easing with regard to sports and cultural activities. These now enable up to 500 participants at cultural and sporting events. However, a mouth and nose cover as well as a fixed seat are mandatory. If the incidence rises above 50, participation is only possible with a negative corona test. Bavaria's Minister-President has the prospect of further easing: “If things improve by the end of June, there could be more,” says Söder.

Citizens who actively practice sport themselves are also offered further opportunities. From a stable incidence value of less than 100, the previous restrictions on group sizes will be lifted. Team sports can therefore be played as usual from today (07.06.2021). This applies to contactless sports as well as to contact sports, regardless of whether they are carried out in a hall or outdoors. However, it must also be possible to present a negative test above the limit value 50.

With Bavaria as a pioneer and with regard to the currently steadily falling nationwide incidence (currently 24), other federal states are also following the easing measures. For the most part, indoor catering is being reopened, and contact restrictions are also being relaxed in many countries. You can find a detailed overview depending on the federal state here.

Update (01.06.2021)

Falling case numbers and stable incidence rates enable further easing

Since the easing just under a month ago, the situation in Germany has steadily improved. The 7-day incidence rate is falling steadily and is currently (as of 01.06.2021) 35. This trend means further easing in some federal states. This includes, for example, the fact that the test requirement for a visit to a restaurant or retail trade is now waived in most of Germany. In many districts and cities, it is also no longer necessary to make an appointment in advance.

50 million doses of vaccine

50 million vaccinations were given! - another milestone in the fight against the corona pandemic. In the meantime (as of 01.06.2021), around 50 million citizens have now received at least one vaccination. On average, around 15-20% of the population in the individual federal states has already been fully vaccinated. An average of 40% received the primary vaccination. The increasing vaccination figures and the resulting fall in case numbers also make it possible for the current risk situation to be officially rated as “high”. Until a few days ago, this was described as “very high.” Federal Minister of Health Spahn confirmed this.

Due to the steady and positive trend in Germany in recent days and weeks, proposals for further easing are already being made. This includes, for example, changes to current travel regulations. However, it is still unclear when and whether these will be officially discussed in the Bundestag. Yet many German citizens — as well as entrepreneurs — are positive about the future.

Update (05.05.2021)

Further easing in sight

Since yesterday (04.05.), the federal government has been consulting again. Against the backdrop of falling case numbers within Germany, further easing is being considered. Bavaria and Lower Saxony in particular pushed ahead with regard to this. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and Lower Saxony Minister-President Stephan Weil agree on easing with a stable 7-day incidence rate of less than 100.
In bavaria The following rules now apply:

From 06.05.: Vaccinated people and genesis are completely exempted from testing requirements, contact restrictions, quarantine requirements and lockdown restrictions. In addition, they are not included in the maximum number of contacts.

From 10.05.: A ray of hope for restaurateurs! With a stable 7-day incidence, outdoor catering is possible again. However, limited to 22:00, as well as customers with negative test results and an appointment. These rules also apply to cinemas, concert and opera houses and theaters.

From 21.05.: Markus Söder wants to make “vacation in Bavaria” possible again. Holiday homes, hotels and campsites should reopen in counties and district-free cities with a stable incidence of less than 100 - subject to strict conditions. A negative corona test, appointments and adequate hygiene and protective measures are mandatory. Bavaria's Minister-President also promises “a perspective for the leisure facilities sector.”

Lower Saxony joins

Similar easing as in Bavaria is also being considered in Lower Saxony. Retail, tourism and gastronomy should now become accessible again for people who have tested negative and vaccinated on a daily basis. However, a specific timetable has not yet been set.
Tourism is now to be opened for around three weeks and exclusively to residents of Lower Saxony. There are also time restrictions for gastronomy. First, similar to Bavaria, the outdoor area will be opened; after around two weeks, the indoor area should also be able to be used again. This, too, is carried out exclusively under hygiene and protective measures.

More federal states are following suit

Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are also venturing to further ease the corona measures. These also relate to the opening of outdoor restaurants, as well as the entry of vaccinated, negative tested and recovered people from other federal states. However, staying overnight in hotels, holiday apartments, etc. remains undetected.

Update (23.04.2021)

The federal emergency brake comes into force

The amended Infection Protection Act comes into force today (23.04.). After the Bundestag's deliberation and discussion phase lasting just under a week, the new law has now also been passed by the Federal Council and was signed yesterday by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The “new” Infection Protection Act includes the “federal emergency brake”, which makes corona related measures and rules uniform nationwide. As long as the seven-day incidence exceeds 100 for three days, the new law, which was initially limited to June 30, applies.

For the trafficking Among other things, this includes a relevant aspect:

Beyond grocery, flower, drugstore or bookstores, only customers who have a negative and up-to-date corona test can enter. It is also mandatory for customers to book an appointment. From an incidence of 150, this option is also rejected and the customer is only able to collect goods that have already been ordered. The detailed list of the latest decisions can be found on the official WDR website.

After five days below the limit value 100, the emergency brake ceases to apply again.

Update (16.04.2021)

Corona resolutions: The Bundestag debates again

Today (16.04.), the Bundestag is discussing the planned changes to the Infection Protection Act. The topic is the so-called “federal emergency brake” with a seven-day incidence of over 100, which Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and ministers have already proposed. The aim is to be able to find a uniform solution nationwide. The debate and the final statement by the Federal Chancellor will take place at 9 a.m.

The infection figures are higher than they have been for a long time

The RKI reports 25,831 nine infections today (16.04.) with a nationwide incidence of 160. In many counties and cities, the seven-day incidence rate is well over 200. The RKI is recording a “sharp increase” and is warning of “another difficult week.”

Update (01.04.2021)

Corona rules for Easter (01.04. - 06.04.)

For the first time, Maundy Thursday (01.04.) and Easter Saturday (03.04.) were defined as additional “days of rest”. There is a ban on gatherings in public spaces. Outdoor restaurants that have already opened will be closed again.

Private meetings are possible with members of one's own household and with another household (max. five people). Children up to 14 years of age are not included. Couples are considered one household. Gatherings in public spaces are generally prohibited. Only food retailers are allowed to open on Saturday (03.04.). Gas stations will remain open over Easter. As on Sundays and public holidays, certain companies could also work.

After Easter, easing should be possible again “if the criteria for an opening step in accordance with the MPK resolution of March 3, 2021 are met.”

There will be no face-to-face services. The resolution states that the federal and state governments want to approach religious communities with the request “to hold religious meetings only virtually during this time.” Schools and daycare centers remain open.

With regard to travel over Easter, the decision of the federal and state governments states: “The federal and state governments continue to urgently appeal to all citizens to refrain from traveling domestically and abroad that is not absolutely necessary - including with regard to the upcoming Easter days.”

For more information on recent decisions, please here.

Opening step 1 (since 01.03.) - independent of incidence

Some of this step has already been completed. Primary schools and daycare centers were opened with restrictions in several federal states. Since 01.03., hairdressing businesses have also been allowed to open their salons.

Opening step 2 (from 08.03.) - independent of incidence

From next Monday, bookstores, flower shops and garden markets can open nationwide. The prerequisite is that the number of customers remains limited. This means: one customer per ten square meters for the first 800 square meters of retail space and one more for every additional 20 square meters. Some federal states have already made progress in this regard. Body-related services such as driving and flight schools may also open. In addition to a daily rapid test, the requirements also include a test concept for personnel.

Opening step 3 (from 08.03.) - after incidence

With a stable seven-day incidence of less than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in a region or country, further easing is possible. Retailers can then open with a limit of one customer per ten square meters for the first 800 square meters of retail space and another for every additional 20 square meters.

Museums, galleries, zoological and botanical gardens and memorials can then also open, and contactless outdoor sports are allowed in small groups (up to ten people). However, guests must have booked an appointment in advance. Individual sports with a maximum of five people from two households and sports in groups of up to 20 children up to 14 years of age are allowed outdoors, including on outdoor sports facilities.

With a stable or falling seven-day incidence of less than 100 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, retailers may open with fixed shopping appointments. This means: one customer per 40 square meters of retail space after registration within a specific period of time.

If the seven-day incidence rises above 100, the old rules (until March 7) come into force again.

Opening step 4 (from 22.03. at the earliest)

If the seven-day incidence rate has not worsened for a long time after the third opening step in the country or region (remains below 50), then the next easing takes effect: outdoor restaurants, theaters, concept and opera houses as well as cinemas may then open. Contact-free sport is also allowed indoors.

Visits to the theatre or cinema depend on a daily negative rapid corona test. It is possible for visitors to open outdoor restaurants by booking an appointment.

If the incidence rises above 100 again, the emergency brake applies and the old strict lockdown rules apply.

Opening step 5 (from 05.04 at the earliest)

If the seven-day incidence remains stable below 50 for two weeks, the next openings may occur. This includes leisure events with up to 50 people outdoors and contact sports in halls.

If there is a stable or falling seven-day incidence of less than 100 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the country or region, the federal state can open retailers nationwide or regionally with limits 14 days after the fourth opening step. Contact-free sports indoors and contact sports outdoors are also possible.

Update (24.03.2021)

Merkel tilts Easter rest

After massive criticism, Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to stop the federal-state decision to stop Easter rest, according to DPA.

Corona resolutions: Chancellor Merkel discusses again with the Prime Minister

Today, the federal and state governments are meeting again and discussing the decisions of Monday (22.03.). The topic will be continued criticism of the new decisions. At 11.00 a.m., there will be a meeting between the Chancellor and the heads of government.

Wages fell for the first time in years during the corona crisis

For the first time since the 2007 surveys, wages in Germany fell in nominal terms. Gross monthly earnings, including special payments, fell by 0.7 percent in the corona crisis year 2020 compared to the previous year, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Since consumer prices rose by just under 0.5 percent at the same time, employees were left with 1.1 percent lower pay in real terms.

Update (23.03.2021)

Ifo: Hotels in particular are feeling pressure on finances

According to an Ifo survey, hotels, restaurants and travel agents in particular are feeling the effects of the corona crisis. “Many companies have liquidity bottlenecks that could lead to more bankruptcies.” Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and landlords of movable property are the hardest hit. In industry, manufacturers of clothing and beverage manufacturers suffer primarily.

Retailers criticize the decisions

The German Trade Association (HDE) criticizes the latest corona decisions of the federal-state summit. In the fight against the pandemic, politicians are still focusing exclusively on incidence rates and are not sufficiently rewarding that the risks of infection in retail are also rated as low by experts.

Update (22.03.2021)

Massive sales & job losses in the hospitality industry

Due to the consequences of the corona lockdown, the German hospitality industry continues to suffer severely. In the period between March 2020 and January 2021, business declined by 47.1 percent after adjusting for price effects. The loss of revenue (54.8 percent) is particularly high at hotels and other accommodation establishments. Even in the summer months without a sharp lock down, sales did not come close to the figures from the corona free previous years.

In addition, many jobs have been lost despite the use of short-time work. The number of employees in the sector fell by 19.2 percent during the pandemic. This means that every fifth job in mostly small companies has already been lost.

Update (12.03.2021)

Corona aid continues to be paid

After the federal government stopped the advance payments of corona aid to companies due to suspected cases of fraud, the money is now expected to flow again. This was announced by Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier. Payments were temporarily suspended at the end of last week. “The brief interruption of advance payments was legally required and necessary,” in order to exchange ideas with the responsible investigative and security authorities and to prevent such fraud attempts from repeating in the future,” a ministry spokesperson told the newspaper.

Hotels and restaurants: urging for opening around Easter

Ingrid Hartges, managing director of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), announces that 61 percent of the businesses concerned are in favour of opening before Easter. “In view of the ever-decreasing lead time, 23.8 percent of businesses are in favour of opening directly after Easter on April 6,” Hartges continues. Hartges has long been demanding that the federal and state governments must also offer the hotel and catering industry the prospect of opening prospects.

Update (10.03.2021)

Tourism sector: Number of overnight stays plummeted in January

The second lock down is also hitting the German hotel industry hard at the start of 2021. In January, the number of overnight stays by guests fell by 76.3 percent to 6.4 million compared to the same month of the previous year. This was announced by the Federal Statistical Office, citing preliminary figures. That was 76.3 percent fewer overnight stays than in January 2020.

Update (09.03.2021)

According to a Bitkom survey: Hardly anyone wants to go back to an open-plan office

Even after the corona crisis, most office workers in Germany do not want to sit in an open-plan office. This is the result of a representative survey of 1500 workers aged 16 and over.

Only one percent of those surveyed would like to work with five or more colleagues in the room with desk work. 38 percent of those surveyed would like a private office. 27 percent of the surveyed professionals are in favour of a permanent job in an office with two to four employees. 17 percent prefer a shared desk, which means free choice of workplace. Even after the pandemic, a further 12 percent only want to work from home.

Schufa: Many solo self-employed people and micro-companies in distress

According to a Schufa survey, the economic situation of many solo self-employed and micro-enterprises is very tense during the corona crisis. Half of solo self-employed people and more than 40 percent of microenterprises expected lower sales this year than in 2019, but at the same time, well over a quarter of those surveyed expect sales to increase in 2021.

Hotels & restaurants: 25 percent are considering abandoning operations

The Dehoga Hotel and Restaurant Association sees no real perspective for the industry in the prospect of opening outdoor catering by the federal and state governments. Companies would not be able to work economically with this; many companies would also have no outdoor area at all. In a Dehoga survey, a good 72 percent of companies say they fear their existence. Almost 25 percent are therefore specifically considering abandoning their operations.

Click & Meet: A losing deal for many retailers

Since Monday (08.03.), retailers in many federal states and regions have been able to offer shopping appointments by appointment. However, this concept is not well received by many retailers, according to the industry association HDE. Although more than 90 percent of retailers wanted to offer their customers this option, just under a quarter of those surveyed by the association see only minor sales effects due to high effort and high costs. In recent weeks, due to the lockdown, retailers lost three quarters of their revenue compared to the previous year.

Update (05.03.2021)

Dehoga assesses the new corona decisions as deficient

Ingrid Hartges, managing director of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), regards the new federal-state decisions as deficient with regard to her sector. There are still no opening prospects for restaurants and hotels. No criteria were defined in this regard at the recent meeting between the federal and state governments. Only outdoor restaurants may open from March 22, subject to conditions.

Update (03.03.2021)

Today (03.03.), the Minister-Presidents of the federal states and the Federal Chancellor are discussing further strategies regarding the corona pandemic. Starting in the afternoon, the federal and state governments want to discuss whether there will be further easing of the current restrictions from next week. The current closures are valid until Sunday (07.03.).

The meeting will primarily focus on the discussion about easing contact restrictions and opening up further businesses. The aim is to achieve an opening strategy based on infection figures. Free rapid tests for all citizens are also being discussed.

Update (02.03.2021)

Bad start to 2021 for retailers

Due to the lockdown, German retailers got off to a bad start to the new year. Revenue in January was 3.9 percent lower than in the previous month.

Update (01.03.2021)

Hairdressing salons are opening again

After two and a half months, hairdressing businesses are allowed to reopen nationwide. Since the hard lock down was imposed on December 16, hairdressers have also had to keep their salons closed. In some federal states, other facilities are also opening, such as garden markets, flower shops, pedicure salons or driving schools.

The next federal-state meeting will take place this Wednesday (03.03.). The Federal Chancellor and the Minister-Presidents of the federal states will discuss further opening prospects.

EU: Draft digital vaccination certificate in March

This month, the EU Commission wants to present a draft law to introduce a digital vaccination certificate.

Update (25.02.2021)

Retail demands opening of stores from March 8

Einzelhanel is calling for a rapid opening from March 8. The managing director of the German Trade Association (HDE), Stefan Genth, appeals to the federal and state governments to formulate a transparent, binding and evidence-based opening strategy with concrete measures. Genth argues for a “reopening in stages.”

Update (24.02.2021)

The onslaught at hairdressers

After several months of closure, hairdressers in Germany are preparing for an onslaught of customers. The managing director of the Central Association of German Hairdressing, Jörg Müller, expects an even bigger onslaught than after the first lockdown. Many salons are already fully booked by the end of March.

Update (22.02.2021)

2020: Industrial production plummeted by a tenth

As a result of the corona pandemic, German industry produced a tenth less in 2020. Adjusted for price and calendar effects, production was 10.8 percent less than in 2019. During the first phase of corona restrictions in April and May, it fell by 29.7 and 23.4 percent, respectively. A recovery period followed. In December, the gap in industrial production was only 1.5 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. The slump was particularly severe in the automotive industry.

Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg: From March 1, gardeners, flower shops & pedicure may open

In addition to hairdressers, other body-related services such as medical foot care will also open from next week. In addition, nurseries, garden markets and flower markets may also reopen. Söder also emphasizes that with an incidence of less than 35, all trade is allowed to open. Easing would then also be feasible for sports and culture.

Update (19.02.2021)

After ten years of growth, sales in the German hospitality industry fell by 36.6 percent. This was announced by the Federal Statistical Office. As a result, the decline was even stronger than previously assumed.

Update (18.02.2021)

More unemployed people at the end of the year

At the end of 2020, the number of people in employment in Germany fell. There were 44.8 million people in employment in the fourth quarter. For seasonal reasons, this is 1.6 percent less than in the same period of the previous year. The Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden announced this today (18.02.).

Home office obligation law is having an effect

The obligation for employers to enable employees to work from home has been in place for almost three weeks. This law is also apparently being followed to a large extent. The “SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance” should still exist until March 15.

Ifo Institute: Almost every third company reports short-time work

Since the beginning of the year, every third company has been using short-time work. This is the result of a survey by the Münchner-Ifo Institute. In January 2021, 31 percent of companies applied for government wage subsidies from the employment agency.

Update (17.02.2021)

German wages fall due to corona

Last year, employees in Germany earned less for the first time since 2007 due to the corona crisis. According to the Federal Statistical Office, gross monthly earnings, including special payments, fell by an average of 0.6 percent. Even during the severe financial and economic crisis of 2009, earnings had grown (0.2 percent).

The fall in real wages is even greater. Since consumer prices rose by just under 0.5 percent in 2020, real wages fell by an average of 1.0 percent compared to 2019.

Update (16.02.2021)

Self-employed people can apply for new corona aid

Self-employed people can now also apply for the recently increased corona aid, the Federal Ministry of Finance announced today (16.02.). Self-employed people can receive a lump sum of up to 7500 euros for several months as part of the so-called bridging aid III.

Corona causes carnival business to collapse

Not only were the numerous carnival events cancelled this year, but business also plummeted around the fifth season. From January to November 2020, carnival and entertainment items worth 71.3 million euros were imported to Germany. Almost a quarter (-23.2 percent) less than in the same period last year. The export of articles such as streamers or garlands fell by an additional almost 26 percent to 33.2 million euros, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

The Institute of German Economics (IW) recently announced that the damage caused by this year's session cancellation is estimated at around 1.5 billion euros nationwide. The biggest losses are in the catering sector, followed by retail, hotel and the transport sector.

Industry association Dehoga expects opening prospects

The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) expects concrete agreements from the government in the corona pandemic. Managing Director Ingrid Hartges explains: “We expect that there will be a concise opening perspective and that they will not “keep us silent. In view of falling infection figures, this is important for companies suffering from the situation.”

Industry association Dehoga expects sales slump

For almost a year now, restaurants and hotels have been struggling hard with the measures to combat the corona pandemic. The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) expects 37 percent less turnover than in the previous year and sees numerous livelihoods threatened.

Number of movie-goers dropped sharply

During the corona pandemic, the number of visitors to German cinemas fell massively. In 2020, around 28.1 million tickets were sold, around 80.5 million fewer than in the previous year. This represents a decline of around 68 percent, according to figures from the Film Board (FFA). In addition, movie theaters made correspondingly lower sales. In 2020, they raised around 318 million euros, almost 69 percent less than in 2019.

The reason for this is the ongoing closures of movie theaters. As early as spring 2020, movie theaters had to close for several weeks; due to social distancing rules, they were only allowed to welcome a few visitors in summer and autumn. Since November 2020, all movie theaters across Germany have been closed again.

Update (15.02.2021)

Denmark tightens entry restrictions

The Scandinavian country Denmark is tightening entry requirements for people from border areas due to concerns about mutated variants of the coronavirus. From Wednesday (17.02), anyone entering Denmark from Schleswig-Holstein or the southern Swedish border regions must not only present a valid reason for entry but also a negative corona test that is no more than 72 hours old. This rule also applies to commuters.

Study: A quarter of employees working from home

During the current lockdown, a quarter of German workers are working from home. In a survey by the union-affiliated Hans Böckler Foundation, 24 percent said they had worked primarily or exclusively from home at the end of January. In doing so, they followed the recommendation of the federal and state governments to also limit professional contacts to the bare minimum during the pandemic.

Update (10.02.2021)

Hairdressers are allowed to open

Hair salons may reopen their salons from March 1st. For many owners of 80,000 salons in Germany, the weeks of closure are threatening their existence. Furthermore, the prescribed occupational safety standards and hygiene rules must be strictly observed in salons.

Lockdown easing only after incidence below 35

The federal and state governments have agreed that further easing of the lockdown, for example in retail or catering, should only be decided after a seven-day incidence of less than 35. This will be discussed in March.

Federal-state meeting on the current corona situation

Today (10.02.), the federal and state governments are meeting and discussing how to proceed with the corona measures. Although the number of corona cases in Germany is falling, the various virus mutations are causing concern. Angela Merkel should therefore call for an extension of the lockdown until 01.03. (Mo.). Politicians are in a bind here: There is increasing pandemic fatigue in Germany. For example, homeschooling, working from home, contact restrictions, short-time work and disappointed expectations with regard to vaccinations have contributed to this. “On the one hand, there is growing social pressure on the Chancellor and the Minister-Presidents to now present a clear easing perspective, and on the other hand, the information basis for a reliable roadmap seems too fragile at present,” summarizes sociologist Michael Corsten.

2020: Record drop in hotel stays

The German tourism industry has to come to terms with heavy losses due to the corona pandemic. The number of overnight stays fell by 39 percent to 302.3 million — fewer than ever since 1992. The number of overnight stays by domestic guests fell by a good third to 270.3 million, that of foreign guests even fell by almost two thirds to 32.0 million.

Update (08.02.2021)

Second lockdown hits SMEs less hard

According to a survey, the current corona lockdown is affecting German SMEs less severely than the first restrictions in spring 2020. According to the chief economist of the state-owned promotional bank KfW, Fritzi Köhler-Geib, many have learned from the experiences of the previous year. In addition, the economic recovery in summer and autumn played its part in replenishing liquidity reserves. State aid measures also contributed to stabilization.

Austria eases requirements but tightens border controls

Starting today, Austria is easing its corona restrictions. Schools, museums and shops are allowed to reopen. However, a medical mask must be worn at all times. A negative corona test must also be presented for a visit to the hairdresser. From now on, people from more than two households can also meet again. As a result of the easing, Austria is tightening its border controls with all neighboring countries from today. The aim is to reduce travel movements to a minimum.

Update (01.02.2021)

December aid flows

The disbursements of regular December aid for companies during the corona crisis are now starting. The Ministry of Economy announced that the technical requirements would finally be met. The countries are now able to start making withdrawals.

Record minus in Christmas shopping for retailers

As a result of the lock dwon imposed in mid-December 2020, German retailers are experiencing the biggest drop in sales in more than a quarter of a century. Compared to the previous month, sales fell by 9.3 percent in December. In the year as a whole, the sector had a real increase in cash registers by 3.9 percent. The loser in 2020 was primarily the clothing trade (around 23 percent less turnover) and the winners in the industry are clearly to be found in the Internet and mail order business (growth of almost 25 percent).

Short-time work rises by 20 percent

According to estimates by the Munich-based Ifo Institute, the number of short-time workers will rise by just under 20 percent in January. 2.6 million people had to go on short-time work in January. In December, there were 2.2 million people. Catering is particularly affected. Here, the share rose from 54.1 percent to 55.9 percent. According to Ifo, the figure in retail also rose by more than double (from 5.7 percent to 12.2 percent). In contrast, short-time work in industry is declining.

75 million more vaccine doses from BioNTech

In the coming quarter, BioNTech will deliver 75 million more doses of its vaccine to the European Union.

Update (27.01.2021)

Home office requirements come into force

From today on, the home office requirements come into force. Employers are required to enable their employees to work from home. Any work that can be done from the home office should be completed at home. There will be no tough controls. Only the occupational health and safety authorities of the federal states check whether the regulation is being complied with.

Update (19.01.2021)

Federal government discusses lockdown until mid-February

The Federal Government is today discussing a possible extension of the lockdown until February 15. This is reported by the AFP news agency and ARD. In particular, the rules for working from home are to be tightened, as there are currently too many commuters on public transport. Employers should enable employees to work from home wherever possible “(AFP).

Further help for companies and the self-employed

The news agency dpa reports that the Federal Ministry of Economics and the Federal Ministry of Finance are planning further financial aid for the self-employed and companies. Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier spoke of a double-digit billion sum in the coming weeks.

Update (15.01.2021)

Early federal-state meeting

According to government circles, the federal-state meeting originally scheduled for January 25 is to take place as early as next week. They do not want to waste any time due to the highly contagious, new mutations of the virus.

Update (14.01.2021)

Child sickness benefit resolved

The extension of children's sickness benefit was decided today by the Bundestag. Instead of the previous ten days, up to 20 days can be applied for this year. The whole applies per parent, which means single parents get 40 days. The rule will apply retroactively to January 5, 2021.

Update (12.01.2021)

Compulsory vaccination for certain professional groups?

Bavaria's Prime Minister Söder brings into play a possible vaccination requirement for certain groups. According to Söder, there are “too many” vaccination refusers among employees in nursing and old people's homes. For example, the German Ethics Council should discuss whether a vaccination light could be useful and justifiable.

700 million euros in child sickness benefit

The “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” reports that the federal government would like to provide 700 million euros for the extended child sickness benefit. According to this, every parent who has to stay at home due to the pandemic because of their child should be able to receive child sickness benefit for a maximum of 20 working days. Single parents should receive 40 days. The money is to be paid out by health insurance companies, but it does not come from contributions paid by insured persons.

Bavaria: FFP2 mask requirement

From next Monday, wearing an FFP2 mask on public transport and in retail will be mandatory in Bavaria. “We also want to make everyday life safer. Retail availability is sufficiently guaranteed,” said Minister President Söder.

Update (11.01.2021)

Restrictions come into force

As of today, the new restrictions apply in every federal state, but in some cases with variations. An overview of the new rules in the individual federal states can be found here.

Update (08.01.2021)

Biontech vaccine probably protects against mutation

The vaccine from Biontech & Pfizer also appears to protect against the mutation of the virus from Great Britain. “We've now tested 16 different mutations, none of which really had significant effects. That's the good news. But that doesn't mean that the 17th won't have any effect. ,” says one of the leading viral vaccine scientists at Pfizer.

New maximum number of deaths

The Robert Koch Institute reports 1188 new deaths related to Covid-19 within one day, which is a new high.

New restrictions in Hamburg from today

Hamburg was the first federal state to implement the new tightening measures. Since midnight, members of a household are only allowed to meet with one other person. There is no longer an exception for children.

Update (07.01.2021)

Extension until 31.01. & stricter measures

The lock down will be extended until 31.01.2021. At the same time, the rules were tightened. An overview of the decisions:

• Restaurants, cultural and leisure facilities and most shops remain closed.
• Company canteens should close if work processes permit.
• Meetings are only allowed with one person from another household.
• The range of motion around the place of residence is limited to 15 kilometers. The prerequisite is that the respective district has a 7-day incidence of 200 or more. Going to work and doctor visits are allowed even at a distance of over 15 kilometers.
• Schools and daycare centers remain closed and offer emergency care. Lessons will take place in a distance-based format from Monday.
• Parents should be able to take sick leave for children twice as long this year as usual.
• Test requirement for travelers from risk areas: When entering Germany, an additional test requirement should be introduced: either up to 48 hours before arrival or directly upon arrival.

Payment of November aid

The requested November aid should be paid out in full “from January 10th” at the latest.

Update (23.12.2020)

Approval for more than four million doses of vaccine

The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut released three batches of around 4.1 million doses of the Biontech and Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday. As a result, nothing stands in the way of the first vaccinations.

Update (21.12.2020)

Worry about mutating the virus

Due to a new variant of the coronavirus in Great Britain, various countries have suspended flights to the British Kingdom. According to Health Minister Spahn, the new variant has not yet been proven in Germany. However, virologist Christian Drosten believes it is very likely that the mutation has already arrived in Germany. However, you have to wait for the data available on this.

Update (17.12.2020)

Home office package resolved

The home office fee of €5 per day, which has been discussed for two and a half weeks (see update from 30.11.2020), has now been resolved. The Bundestag decided to set this amount for a maximum of 120 days working from home, i.e. 600€ per year. However, the lump sum is one of the advertising costs, which includes, for example, work clothes or continuing education, which is calculated at a flat rate of 1000€. Only those who get over 1000€ including the home office fee benefit from this measure. For everyone else, the measure fizzles out.

Start of vaccination after Christmas

With around 400,000 doses of Biontech and Pfizer, health ministers expect the vaccination to start on 27.12. Eleven to 13 million doses of vaccine should have been delivered by the end of the first quarter. The first vaccinations will take place in nursing homes.

Warning app reworked

The new update to the corona warning app will include an improvement in risk calculation. In addition, it is now visible when someone who tested positive was met.

But the highest number of infections

The RKI is correcting the current case figures, as 3,500 case figures from Baden-Württemberg were submitted too few. This represents a new record of just under 30,400. The missing figures will be included tomorrow.

Update (16.12.2020)

952 new deaths

Health authorities have reported 952 new deaths associated with the coronavirus in the last 24 hours. However, this figure also includes possible late registrations from Saxony, which had not reported anything the previous day.

New editions for church services at Christmas

The Ministry of the Interior and churches have agreed on rules for church services at Christmas. Therefore, singing is not allowed and every participant must register before coming. Masks are mandatory anyway.

Update (15.12.2020)

Pickup at retail stores?

The German Trade Association appeals to politicians to enable retailers to hand over goods ordered online. This should give brick-and-mortar retailers the opportunity to better hold their own against online retailers in lockdown. The proposal has received a lot of support from the industry, including IKEA, Media Markt, Saturn and booksellers.

Vaccine approval possible on December 23

According to media reports, the European regulatory authority wants to approve the Biontech and Pfizer vaccine on December 23. December 26 is planned as the start of vaccination. Health Minister Spahn also reaffirmed that approval is still possible before Christmas. However, this is done through a regular procedure, not through emergency approval.

Update (14.12.2020)

Nationwide lockdown from Wednesday

What has become apparent over the last few days is now a done deal: Public life will be shut down again from Wednesday. Retailers, schools and daycare centers across Germany must close. For now, the restrictions apply until January 10, but an extension is possible.

An overview of the current measures:

• Private meetings are limited to two households and a maximum of five people. The same rules apply here as in Lockdown Light.
• For the 24th to the 26th of December, a household may meet four more people. They must come from the immediate circle of relatives. For example, they are life partners, siblings or relatives in a straight line.
• For New Year's Eve, the exceptions will be withdrawn; the existing contact restrictions apply. There will still be no sale of fireworks.
• The retail trade will be closed from 16.12. until at least 10.01. Service companies such as hairdressers, tattoo studios or massage practices must also close. Only shops for daily needs remain open. These include grocery stores, pickup and delivery services, beverage stores, baby stores, pharmacies, medical supply stores, drugstores, opticians, hearing aid professionals, gas stations, automotive repair shops, bicycle repair shops, banks and savings banks, post offices, dry cleaners, laundromats, newspaper sales, pet supplies, feed markets, Christmas tree sales and wholesalers. Medically necessary treatments such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapist or podiatry also remain possible.
• Distance learning should be made possible in schools. Compulsory attendance is suspended. However, emergency care will continue to exist, including for daycare centers.
• Employers are urged to offer home office opportunities or to make company vacations possible.
• The delivery and collection of food for private consumption remains permitted. There is a ban on alcohol in public spaces.
• Religious services are permitted if the minimum distance can be maintained. Masks are also required at the square.
• Special protective measures are being taken for old people's and nursing homes.
• Additional restrictions should apply in all hotspots, depending on the country.
• All unnecessary trips should be avoided, but they will not be prohibited.
• Companies and self-employed people affected by the lockdown should continue to receive support. Bridging aid III, which provides subsidies for fixed costs, is to be improved. Losses in the value of goods should be absorbed by means of unbureaucratic and rapid partial write-offs.

A new meeting is scheduled for January 5 to decide on the future after 10.01.

Update (11.12.2020)

Seehofer demands immediate lockdwon

Interior Minister Horst Seehofer urges that the “hard” lock down should not wait until Christmas: The only chance of mastering the situation again is a lock down, which must take place immediately. If we wait until Christmas, we will have to contend with the high figures for months to come.”

Higher corona aid in prospect

Federal Minister of Economics Altmaier is considering increasing the maximum funding amount in the event of a “hard” lockdown. This is currently €200,000 per month. It is assumed that clear statements will be made promptly.

Store closures in Thuringia

In view of the rapidly increasing figures, Thuringia is planning shop closures and distance learning from first grade on December 19. Stores for basic needs are excluded.

Tightening up in Baden-Württemberg

According to the green-black state government in Baden-Württemberg, public life will be shut down at the beginning of next week. Among other things, a night curfew and a daytime curfew are planned. For example, you should only leave your own house during the day with good reason. The cabinet will decide on the exact requirements this afternoon. According to Minister President Kretschmann, a “tough” lockdown from Christmas until at least January 10 is already planned anyway.

Update 3:35 p.m.: The tightening has been decided and will apply from Saturday. In addition to the above measures, friends and relatives may only be visited after 20:00 between December 23 and 26.

New record levels for new infections and deaths

The Robert Koch Institute reports almost 30,000 new infections and 598 deaths in Germany today, Friday. This exceeded the previous record of 23,679 new cases from the previous day by over 6,000 new infections.

Overview of the federal states

On tagesschau.de You can find a current (11.12.2020) overview of the situation and measures taken in the individual federal states: Klick

Update (10.12.2020)

Higher advance payments approved

The increase in advance payments (see 09.12.2020) is a done deal. The Ministry's proposal was accepted by the Länder. Instead of the previous €10,000, companies should now receive up to €50,000. Self-employed people will receive a further maximum of €5,000 in return. For now, these figures should only apply to November and December.

Update (09.12.2020)

Increase in advance payments

The advance payments to companies will apparently be increased from 10,000 to 50,000 euros in November and December aid. According to news agency Reuters, an agreement has been reached in this regard in the Federal Ministry of Economics. However, the approval of the individual federal states is still pending.

Warning app now also available without Google services

The official Corona warning app can now also be used by Android users without Google services. This includes the latest Huawei models, which have to make do without Google due to differences with the US government.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania imposes the measures

The cabinet in Schwerin has now decided to tighten the existing measures in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well. The mask requirement is being extended in public places, and students are taught homeschooling after the holidays from the 7th grade.

Tightening even in Hessian hotspots

Minister President Bouffier announced a night curfew and a ban on alcohol in public for hotspots in Hesse. This is due to the continuing increase in infection figures.

Signs of a hard lock down from 24.12.

After more and more voices were heard afterwards, virologist Christian Drosten has now also pleaded for a “proper” lock down from December 24. “We absolutely must do something in Germany now.” He was committed to taking action this year “than going into a real lock down at the end of January and throughout February, which massively damages the economy.” Health Minister Spahn also sees this as the right path: “I don't know how others are doing, but my quietest time of the year is actually around Christmas to the beginning of January. And I could hardly think of a better time in the year to get down in society and reduce contacts.”

590 new deaths

The number of deaths with Covid-19 disease has skyrocketed. A new high of 590 cases has been reported in the last 24 hours. This corresponds to 103 more deaths than the previous peak a week ago.

Update (08.12.2020)

Technical problems when submitting an application

A representative survey by Bitkom shows that 92% of companies complain of technical problems when applying for state aid. Only 52% were overall satisfied with the application process. Only 35% of the companies surveyed said they received the help quickly. The problem lies primarily in past failures to push ahead with digitization. Regional administration in particular is still doing a lot of analogous work in 2020. A total of 605 companies from all sectors with 20 or more employees were surveyed.

Corona aid only in January

According to the Federal Ministry of Economics, corona aid will only flow in January. Union Group leader Brinkhaus clearly criticized this. As a result of state aid, the affected companies should receive 75% of the missed turnover, of which tens of thousands of direct and advance payments have already been approved so far.

Another lock down in retail is possible

Health Minister spoke for the first time on the Phoenix television channel of further tightening that should affect retailers: “We must make this dependent on the next few days whether we manage to bring down the figures.” Chancellor Merkel also recently pleaded for further measures before Christmas to finally lower the figures.

Update (07.12.2020)

40% more intensive care patients

According to the German Hospital Association, there are currently 40 percent more intensive care patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units than during the first wave. Gernot Marx, intensive care specialist at Aachen University Hospital: “We are now in the second marathon. The teams in intensive care units across Germany really do their best work day in and day out.”

Schleswig-Holstein is also now a risk area

Schleswig-Holstein was the last federal state to exceed the threshold of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the past seven days and is therefore considered a corona risk area. On Sunday afternoon, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania had also exceeded the warning value. The two federal states have had the lowest infection figures in Germany so far.

Bavaria: Tightening measures from Wednesday?

In view of the continuing high number of new infections, it will be decided in Bavaria on Tuesday whether the current measures will be significantly increased. At a glance:

• Curfew: Apartments should only be left with good reason
• The exceptions for meetings with over five people should only be made for Christmas, but not for New Year's Eve
• Alternate lessons from 8th grade onwards, vocational schools should end face-to-face teaching
• Visiting nursing homes only with a negative test and FFP2 mask
• Hotspot curfew (incidence of 200) from 9 p.m. — 5 p.m.

The measures should apply until the beginning of January.

Thuringia: No easing for public holidays?

According to Minister President Bodo Ramelow, there should be no easing of the corona measures in Thuringia over the public holidays: “There will be no relief for Christmas and New Year's Eve.” Like Bavaria, the state cabinet will therefore address the issue on Tuesday.

Bundeswehr plans 26 vaccination centers

The Bundeswehr wants to vaccinate 18,000 people per day. For this purpose, up to 26 vaccination sites are being planned across Germany, which will be operated by 20-25 soldiers. The advertised goal is to be operational by mid-December.

Update (04.12.2020)

Nighttime restrictions in Baden-Württemberg

The state government in Baden-Württemberg has agreed on nighttime restrictions when a district exceeds an incidence value of 200. According to this, people in affected areas should only be allowed to leave their homes for work reasons or in medical emergencies. On Friday, it will be announced during which period the restrictions will apply.

Update (03.12.2020)

Partial lockdown extended until January

The partial lockdown in Germany is to be extended until January 10, 2021. This was announced by the Minister-Presidents together with Federal Chancellor Merkel. They are still far from the target of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days.

Review of an increase in advance payments

The Federal Ministry of Economics is currently examining a possible increase in advance payments for some companies. Economics Minister Peter Altmaier said that payments for large and medium-sized companies were currently insufficient. However, it is important to comply with budgetary requirements. Taxpayers' money should be sold responsibly.

Update (02.12.2020)

Vaccine launch in Great Britain

With emergency approval, Great Britain is the first country to start vaccination. The first people should receive the vaccine from Biontech and Pfizer as early as next week. The British thus receive the world's first approval for BNT162b2. According to its own statements, Great Britain has ordered enough doses to vaccinate 20 million people. However, it is not yet clear how many doses will actually arrive by the end of the year.

New record number of deaths

A new record number of deaths from COVID-19 disease was reached in Germany today. 487 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Curfew in Saxony

Due to the high number of new infections, there is a stricter curfew throughout Saxony, with the exception of the three major cities. The houses may only be left with drifting ground. Prime Minister Kretschmer said that the hospitals were “already extremely busy,” said Prime Minister Kretschmer.

Update (01.12.2020)

Moderna applies for approval

The US pharmaceutical company Moderna was the first company to apply for approval of a vaccine in the EU. The corresponding application was received by the European Medicines Agency Ema on Monday. Moderna's remedy is comparatively similar to the effectiveness and mode of action of the Biontech and Pfizer vaccine. If approved, the vaccine could be delivered in the EU as early as December.

First mass tests on children and educators

At the Hildburghausen hotspot in Thuringia, all kindergarten and school children as well as educators and teachers can undergo a rapid corona test for the first time. Around a third of kindergarten children and the majority of educators want to take part in the voluntary test. A total of 11,000 tests are available. In future, rapid tests will be increasingly available in nursing homes, clinics and schools.

No more free tests for returnees

From December 15, travelers from risk areas abroad will no longer have free tests upon arrival.

Update (30.11.2020)

Agreement on home office allowance

According to the “FAZ,” financial politicians from the Grand Coalition have adapted to a tax lump sum of €5 per day to relieve employees working from home. However, the lump sum should not exceed 600€ per year. However, it is still unclear whether the tax allowance will be granted in addition to the employee lump sum of 1000€. If this is treated like other advertising costs, only those with more than 1000€ advertising costs will benefit. From a concept quoted by the Ministry of Finance: “If the home office lump sum were granted independently, i.e. in addition to the lump sum for advertising costs, this would be an excessive (and constitutionally dubious) advantage.”

Planning a national health reserve

In order to be better prepared for the future, the federal government is planning a national health reserve at 19 locations. This should consist of protective equipment, protective masks, ventilators and medicines. Health Minister Spahn told the “DPA”: “This pandemic teaches us that we must take more precautions. In this way, we particularly support those who work in hospitals, care facilities and medical practices in an emergency. Good healthcare should not fail because of the material.” The main reason is that various materials such as protective masks became scarce at the start of the pandemic in spring. The reserve is also intended to create incentives for domestic manufacturers.

Update (26.11.2020)

Yesterday, at the government meeting with the prime ministers, the lockdown was extended into December, as expected. Here is an overview of the measures:

Catering, leisure and cultural facilities

These must also remain closed in December. The state aid, which was introduced in November, should also apply in December.

Wholesale and retail

Shops may remain open in principle, but with a personal limit of one person per 10 square meters. If there is an area of more than 800 square meters, one person is valid for every 20 square meters.

Contact restrictions

These are being further tightened. In future, only people from a maximum of two households, but a maximum of 5 people, may meet. Children up to 14 years of age are excluded.

Mandatory mask

The mask requirement continues to apply in retail stores, on public transport, in public places or places where there are many people. The mask requirement now also applies, for example, in squares and parking lots in front of shops. Masks are also generally required at work, unless a minimum distance directly at the workplace can be allowed.

schools

There are no plans for basic alternating lessons or online lessons. Schools have the opportunity to implement a concept on an individual basis. However, hybrid lessons should be possible in a region with an incidence value of 200 or more. However, these measures should only affect students from 8th grade, excluding graduating classes. Masks are compulsory nationwide from 7th grade onward. However, most countries have introduced them as early as the 5th grade. The Christmas holidays are supposed to start on November 19 this year.

Christmas and New Year

At least the contact restrictions should be relaxed somewhat over this time. Up to 10 people from different households can then meet. There are no public fireworks on New Year's Eve, but private fireworks are not prohibited. Except in public places or busy streets. In principle, however, it is called upon to refrain from doing so.

Update (25.11.2020)

Today, the federal and state governments are meeting again to decide on how to proceed in the corona crisis. The ministers of the individual countries have agreed on a joint roadmap, which they want to implement today. This includes that Lockdown Light should be presented without restrictions until December 20th. This is even intended to extend the mask requirement. For example, this should then apply not only in shops, but also in front of and in parking lots.

Whether restaurants or gyms will be allowed to reopen from December 20th remains unclear. However, it is clear that there will be unique special arrangements from December 23 to January 1 to make a family Christmas possible. Contact restrictions should be relaxed somewhat at this time. It is unclear whether restaurants will be able to start the Christmas business.

So far, all these measures have only been proposed by the countries. Changes at today's meeting are likely.

Update (23.11.2020)

A country bill from Sunday talks about continuing the partial lockdown beyond November and even tightening it in some cases. The measures should be extended at least until December 20. The contact restrictions should apply even more strictly, for people from a maximum of two households, but in no case more than 5 people. The mask requirement is also to be extended even further. The catering and all other leisure facilities must expect to remain closed. However, it should be possible for the rules to be relaxed in regions with very low infection rates. As far as possible, they want to ease the rules, in particular the contact restrictions, somewhat over Christmas, so that a family celebration is possible despite the circumstances. People from more than two households should then also be able to meet, but also with an upper limit of 5 to 10 people. In addition, they do not want to allow fireworks on New Year's Eve this year. The aim was to prevent many people from accumulating and sparing the capacities of emergency services. The sale of fireworks should therefore not be allowed this year.

This proposal should serve as the basis for the discussion between the federal and state governments on Wednesday. They then wanted to make a concrete decision on how to proceed by the end of the year.

Bridging aid should be expanded

The proposal also stated that bridging aid for industries that will face significant restrictions in the near future should be extended until mid-2021. This includes the event industry, artists and solo self-employed people, as well as the travel industry.

Update (20.11.2020)

The German company Biontech and the American pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced today that they have applied for emergency approval for their corona vaccine BNT162b2 in the USA. They expect that the vaccine will then be available by the middle or at the end of December at the latest. The funding achieved a 95 percent success rate in phase III, which is the reason for the application. As it currently stands, the vaccine will probably be approved in the USA first. But the competent European authority is also currently carrying out an audit. But the eligibility criteria are different here than in the USA. So it will probably take a bit longer. According to experts, in the best case scenario, Europe can expect the vaccine from the second half of December.

Update (19.11.2020)

Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder demanded that in the event of an extension of the partial lockdown, an extension of financial aid would also be necessary. Should the restrictions extend to December, there must also be December aid in addition to November aid. He did not comment on what they could look like. However, he stressed that there was no prospect of repealing the measures. The restrictions initially planned only for November will probably have to be extended. Although the measures had already had an effect and the exponential increase in the number of cases was halted, the figures are not yet falling to an acceptable level. The federal and state governments will once again discuss how things should continue on November 25. However, Söder already warned against abolishing the measures early, as this would only lead to uncertainty up and down. He spoke out in favour of another strict national hotspot strategy.

Update (18.11.2020)

The amended Infection Protection Act is to be sealed today in the Bundestag. The government brought the proceedings through as quickly as possible if the law was amended. The first session on this was only held on November 6. The second and third meetings followed on a date today. The reason for the rapid procedure: many measures taken by the federal government in the wake of the corona pandemic were repeatedly overturned by the courts, as they could not fall back on a well-founded legal situation. In order to create a legal basis for the measures, a new article should be listed.

Not everyone likes this quick process. The opposition voiced criticism and called for more say. They felt betrayed in this urgent procedure. Some citizens share the same opinion. There were demonstrations in Berlin today, which were broken up by the police.

Update (17.11.2020)

Yesterday, the federal and state governments once again discussed how to proceed in the corona crisis. This did not result in any concrete decisions or a tightening of measures. The Federal Chancellor indicated that this was not in her interest, but that the ministers of the federal states were against new regulations before the old ones expired. That's how it stuck with appeals for now. The population was once again called upon to reduce contacts as much as possible and, best of all, to only meet with a single permanent other household.

The next steps will be discussed again on November 25. It should then be decided how things should continue after the partial lockdown. However, the chancellor has already made it clear that no major easing can be expected. The fact that there is still no opposite trend in the number of new infections does not allow this to happen. But even though the winter months will probably continue to be marked by severe restrictions, it was also emphasized that the aim is to achieve consistency and predictability for the next few months. In this way, everyone, and especially companies, can adapt to it.

Update (13.11.2020)

Yesterday, the Bavarian Administrative Court approved an urgent application and lifted the closure of fitness studios. The BayVGH bases this on the principle of equal rights. Other sports facilities, for individual indoor sports, were allowed to remain open. This would put gyms at a disadvantage.

The Bavarian State Government is now responding to this decision. As of today, all indoor sports facilities must remain closed for individual sports. This therefore also applies to gyms again. “The state government naturally respects the decision of the Bavarian Administrative Court and its reasons. It will therefore establish the equal treatment of gyms and other sports facilities required by the BayVGH by closing all indoor sports facilities in Bavaria with effect from Friday, November 13.”, says State Secretary Klaus Holetschek.

Update (12.11.2020)

The Bavarian Administrative Court today partially approved the urgent application from a gym owner. He suspended the provision in the 8th Bavarian Infection Protection Measures Ordinance (8th BayIFSMV), which completely prohibits the operation of fitness studios. The entrepreneur brought an action against the regulation that had been in force since November 2 because it violated equal rights. According to the measures, as part of the second lockdown, individual sport will continue to be allowed as long as it is practiced alone or in pairs. However, this does not apply to gyms, as they had to close completely. The BayVGH therefore assumes that there is a violation of the Equal Treatment Act and regards the general closures as disproportionate. Operations can therefore be resumed, but only to a very limited extent, as the BayVGH emphasized.

Update (10.11.2020)

Mainz-based company Biontech and US pharmaceutical company Pfizer had recently published encouraging data on their active ingredient. According to study data, their vaccine offers 90 percent protection against Covid-19. They are expected to apply for approval from the US drug agency FDA from next week. This would first result in approval in the USA. For approval in Europe, the application would have to be submitted to the relevant European authority EMA. However, Federal Minister of Health Spahn expects a parallel application. He also wanted to prevent a vaccine from a German company from being available in other countries first.

Meanwhile, the EU had already negotiated a contract with the two companies for months. It is about assuring the delivery of several hundred doses of vaccine for the EU. According to EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, negotiations were concluded today. The finished contract only needs to be signed within the next few days.

Update (09.11.2020)

Demonstration in Leipzig

A registered demonstration against the corona measures took place in Leipzig over the weekend. The organization “Querdenker” had called for the meeting. The OVG had allowed the demonstration with 16,000 participants in the city center under hygiene conditions. However, far more people came than planned, and over 20,000 from all over Germany gathered. In addition, hygiene rules were largely not followed. The police then broke up the demonstration. Many participants did not want to leave the square and so there was an outbreak of violence with attacks on local officials and press workers. In a left-wing district, several hundred “violent people” also gathered, who became violent against police officers and set fire to barricades.

Many politicians condemned the demonstrators' behavior, but there was also criticism of the police and the OVG. In view of the infection rate, an event of this size could not be allowed in this way, especially in view of the obvious that hygiene rules do not want to be adhered to. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer disagreed with critics and stood up for the officials.

Bavaria's test strategy put to the test

The Bavarian Minister-President has not followed the test strategy recommended by the Federal Government and RKI in recent times. In Bavaria, every citizen can get tested free of charge, without any particular reason. Markus Söder justified this special route with Bavaria's position as a transit country. He was firmly convinced that this strategy was also the right one. However, Bavarian laboratories are now threatening to overburden. They are no longer keeping up with the amount of testing. Söder therefore now commented on his strategy and announced that it would discuss whether this strategy can continue to be practiced or whether changes are needed.

Update (06.11.2020)

In Germany, the threshold of 20,000 new corona infections within 24 hours was exceeded for the first time. The RKI reports 21,506 new cases for today. More than ever before. A week ago, the figure was 18,681. Overall, however, it can be assumed that the infection process will subside. The so-called R-value was 0.97 yesterday. The day before, it was 0.81. If the R-factor is below 1 for a longer period of time, the infection curve subsides.

Update (04.11.2020)

Corona aid in November

At the same time as the new restrictions, the federal government also announced new aid last week. First, just a rough plan, the implementation of which is still being worked on under high pressure. Initially, the plan to refund companies 75% of their turnover raised many questions. The aid is now a bit more sophisticated. It is clear that companies with up to 50 employees who are directly affected by the closures will receive 75% of their turnover reimbursed by the state. The basis for this is the turnover from November 2019. Companies that do not yet exist a year calculate the turnover from October 2020. Solo self-employed people, who are often subject to strong monthly fluctuations, have the right to vote. You can choose whether November 2019 or October 2020 should be used as the basis for calculation. Companies with more than 50 employees are also entitled to a revenue refund, which is based on European state aid law. On average, they can expect around 60%.

It is now also clear that the applications submitted via the site www.ueberbrueckungshilfe-unternehmen.de Be joined. It is still unclear when exactly the application can be submitted, but work is being done at full speed.

Update (03.11.2020)

More and more German companies are suing against the restrictions imposed by the second lockdown in November. The administrative courts of several federal states have received numerous lawsuits. These mostly involve the forced closure of hotels for tourists and restaurants. But leisure facilities and fitness studios are also among the plaintiffs. Those affected speak of the disproportionate nature of the forced closures. In doing so, they refer to developed hygiene concepts, compliance with which the infection rate is not demonstrably promoted. Many lawsuits are also based on the fact that it is disproportionate to close entire industries, while others, such as retailers, are still allowed to remain open under hygiene conditions. How the courts will judge in each case remains to be seen.

Update (30.10.2020)

State aid packages

In order to support companies even during the second lockdown, the state is planning further extensive aid measures. For the first time, he wants to pay a revenue refund to companies that must now close in November. For example, cinemas, restaurants, fitness studios or swimming pools. Companies with up to 50 employees should therefore receive 75% of their regular turnover paid by the state. The value is based on the turnover of the previous year, i.e. November 2019. Larger companies would also be entitled to a revenue refund, but here the percentage must be calculated on the basis of European law and can therefore vary. Even companies that do not have to close down but are being indirectly, to a similar extent, damaged by the lockdown. For example, a laundry for hotel laundry, which is theoretically allowed to work, but will barely have any work due to the lockdown. Aid already received, such as bridging allowances and short-time work pay, is to be deducted from the aid payments. According to Olaf Scholz, the aid should be quick, comprehensive and unbureaucratic.

Update (29.10.2020)

An overview of the decisions

In a press conference yesterday, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that there is another lockdown in Germany. The decisions in detail:

• Schools and daycare centers remain open
• Wholesalers and retailers can remain open subject to hygiene requirements
• Religious services are also allowed subject to hygiene requirements
• Catering establishments, bars, clubs and pubs must close, and only a pick-up and delivery service is allowed
• Prohibition of entertainment and leisure events
• Cinemas, theaters, operas, amusement parks, arcades and the like will also remain closed
• Amateur and recreational sports are prohibited
• Professional sport is only allowed without spectators
• Fitness studios and swimming pools must close
• Hotels and other accommodation may only accommodate guests on urgently needed trips; tourist overnight stays are prohibited
• In general, there is a contact restriction of a maximum of two households in public and private spaces

All measures apply from November 2 and will last until the end of November for the time being.

Renewed challenges for the catering industry

Since yesterday, it has been clear that restaurants throughout Germany will have to close again for 4 weeks. A tough setback for all restaurateurs. Many now fear for their existence and say they won't survive a second closure. There is great anxiety in the industry.

Now it's time to find new solutions quickly. As pickup and delivery services are still allowed, these will be the only sources of income in the near future. It is therefore all the more important that this model runs well. You can inform your customers about your offers via social media, notices in front of your shop and e-mail newsletters. You can also use third-party providers, such as delivery service apps, to persuade customers to order from your restaurant. This allows you to generate income even during this difficult period.

Update (28.10.2020)

Federal and state governments have been meeting at the corona summit since today

At today's corona summit, the federal and state governments are meeting together to discuss how to proceed during the corona crisis. Some details about the chancellor's strategy were leaked out yesterday. However, not everyone agreed with the so-called “Lockdown Light”, and some prime ministers have already announced that they do not want to adopt these decisions in this way.

First decisions leaked

Chancellor Angela Merkel's press conference is scheduled today at 16:30. First information leaked out quickly. According to this, the federal and state governments want to declare a Germany-wide health emergency, it was said today. As the situation worsens, drastic measures must now be taken. There are supposedly contact restrictions throughout Germany. This means that only people from two different households may stay in public and private spaces. Cinemas, theaters, restaurants and bars must close again. Events are prohibited and spectators are no longer allowed at sporting events, for example. In addition, overnight stays in Germany should only be possible in valid cases. Citizens are urged not to travel and visit family or friends. These measures should apply from 2 November until the end of the month. However, schools and daycare centers should remain open throughout the month. Wholesalers and retailers should also remain open under strict conditions. So do hairdressers. Other luxury studios and similar facilities, however, must be closed.

According to a proposal by Economics Minister Olaf Scholz, part of the resulting damage to companies should be reimbursed. According to this, the plan is to reimburse small companies 75% of the previous year's monthly turnover and large companies 70%.

The press conference

Angela Merkel opened today's press conference by once again stressing how serious the situation is. There were twice as many new infections today as there were a week ago. And if the infection rate continued like this, health authorities and hospitals would soon be overburdened. Measures are therefore needed to contain the incidence of infection. According to Merkel, the number of new infections must first stabilize and then fall so that the incidence of 50 is no longer exceeded nationwide.

National measures will therefore follow in November, more specifically from November 2. The Chancellor confirmed the already speculated contact restrictions for people from a maximum of two households. Leisure activities and entertainment events are prohibited. Catering establishments of all kinds must close; only a delivery and pick-up service remains allowed. Extraordinary support was promised to the companies. According to this, companies with up to 50 employees can be reimbursed up to 75% of their failures. Support was also promised to larger companies; here, it was necessary to see what is feasible in terms of European law and financial law.

The Chancellor refuted statements that certain areas were not decisive for the infection process, as it is now impossible to understand where they originate from in 75% of <infections. Therefore, it does not support such statements.

Angela Merkel also emphasized once again that the measures are being implemented nationally. Contrary to previous statements by some prime ministers, the federal government and all states were therefore able to reach agreement.

Update (27.10.2020)

Press conference by Markus Söder

Today, the Bavarian Cabinet once again discussed the current situation and further measures. A press conference has been taking place since 13:00. At the beginning, the Minister President praised the development in the Berchtesgaden corona hotspot. The figures stabilized again relatively quickly, and this shows that the measures were successful. Markus Söder emphasized that it is always better to act immediately and consistently than to delay.

Tomorrow, all prime ministers will meet again and discuss how to proceed. Chancellor Angela Merkel has already spoken of a “lockdown light.” This should include that restaurants must close, but schools and childcare facilities can remain open as far as possible. Markus Söder also emphasized that schools and daycare centers are the top priority, and that they should be closed last. The Bavarian Minister of Education spoke of a bonus for school principals and individual teachers. Schools and teachers are required to be extremely flexible in the current situation. However, the advertised “lockdown light” is also met with criticism. Especially since the RKI mentioned last week that restaurants were not the driving forces behind the infection process. There are now further reports that the RKI is said to have stated in talks with the Chancellery that the infections in the catering sector are very low and that hygiene concepts there can be met very well.

First German Christmas markets canceled

Many have suspected it for a long time, but now it is slowly becoming official: The Christmas market season in Germany will largely be canceled. The first major cities have already announced that their Christmas markets will not take place. Among them Nuremberg, Augsburg, Hamburg and many more. They do not want to send the wrong signal during this time, said the Lord Mayor of Nuremberg. Although they had tried to develop hygiene concepts, they did not want to risk the fact that many thousands of people would gather in city centers. In view of the increasing number of cases, this would not be responsible.

A major setback for the numerous exhibitors. As a result, the mostly self-employed craftsmen and artists lose their main annual business, which is an unbearable financial burden for many. Although the federal government had already announced aid for artists and freelancers, the shortfall is hitting many hard. In today's press release by Minister-President Markus Söder, it was announced that the Free State would launch a program of 370 million euros for its culture and artists.

Update (26.10.2020)

There were further demonstrations against the corona measures in Berlin over the weekend. According to the organizers, 2500 participants were registered. The participants had the obligation to wear mouth and nose protection and to maintain the minimum distance. However, since many people did not follow these rules, the police opposed the train and prevented people from continuing. As a result, there were isolated riots, fights and arrests. However, after more emergency personnel arrived, the crowd gradually dispersed so that the demonstration could be successfully resolved.

Another demonstration was actually announced in Berlin, but this was canceled by the organizer. One reason for this was an incident on Sunday night. Previously unknown people threw fire into an RKI building. Fortunately, the flames were extinguished.

Case numbers continue to rise

Meanwhile, the number of cases continues to rise in Germany. Most recently, the number of new infections was 8,685. Furthermore, the south, including Bavaria, is almost the hardest hit. 20 cities and districts in Bavaria currently have the status of “dark red”. This means that the incidence is above 100. In the whole of Upper Bavaria, the figure is 93.3, i.e. also almost at the limit of 100. From this threshold, further, stricter measures apply. Events or meetings with only 50 people are allowed. In addition, the curfew is brought forward by one hour, to 21:00.

Update (23.10.2020)

For the second time in a row, the number of new infections in Germany exceeds 11,000. Markus Söder said that what was already feared is now happening. He assumes that the figures will now rise exponentially, but urges patience, as we will see in the next few weeks whether the measures have an effect. The World Medical President also called for caution. According to him, starting at 20,000 new infections per day, a new economic and social lockdown in Germany could be necessary. Because then the situation would be out of control and it would no longer be possible to track the infection chains.

Prime Minister Markus Söder also once again emphasized the seriousness of the situation. He has already declared the new dark red warning level for the Free State, in view of the rising figures. Today on Friday, they want to tighten up compliance with the rules with a nationwide inspection day. It is noticeable that the population's willingness to comply with the rules is declining. Today, more and more police officers in public places and train stations will check compliance with the mask requirement.

Update (22.10.2020)

Figures at a new high

The situation in Germany is currently continuing to worsen. At 11,287, the number of new infections today reached a new high since the start of the pandemic. It is true that the values are only partially comparable with the values at the start of the pandemic, as more can now be tested. However, there has been a similar amount of testing over the last few months, but the positive rate rose from 0.75% to 3.63%. The chairman of the Federal Association of Physicians of the Public Health Service also acknowledged that it is currently no longer possible everywhere to track the contacts of infected people.

Update (21.10.2020)

Markus Söder press conference

Markus Söder once again reported on the current situation at a press conference today. He emphasized that the government's priority in this situation was clearly the economy, schools and daycare centers. According to the Prime Minister, the most important means of doing this is the mask. It makes it possible to maintain face-to-face teaching and everyday situations for as long as possible. Here he is sharply criticizing the religious war that is currently taking place frequently in Germany. The mask is one of the mildest remedies, with great effect and it has been seen that the general mask requirement has a very good effect from an incidence of 35.

He also expressed the wish that more stringent regulations must apply from an incidence value of 100. Events should then no longer be possible and curfew hours should be tightened. These measures will be discussed in the near future.

He also announces economic aid for artists and self-employed people. Bavaria wants to provide funds for the art and cultural scene independently of the federal government. A fictitious entrepreneurial wage is also under discussion here.

Corona hotspot in Bavaria

The number of people infected with corona in Germany continues to rise. In Bavaria, Minister President Söder once again urged strict compliance with the measures in order to be able to prevent a second lock down. In fact, the district of Berchtesgaden in Bavaria had so many cases recently that there has been a lock down there since Tuesday, 20/10. There are strict contact restrictions, people are only allowed to leave their homes there for a valid reason and the restaurant must also remain closed. This is another hard blow for restaurateurs, as they have just been in the process of improving their sales again. Tourism is also affected, of course. Existing guests must leave with immediate effect and booked trips will be canceled. And that just before the autumn holidays, when the mountains of the Berchtesgadener Land region are a popular travel destination. This would once again have been an important opportunity for hoteliers and restaurateurs to make up for the cancellations of the spring year to some extent. As a result, this lockdown is once again hitting the catering and tourism sector hard.

Update (20.10.2020)

New features of the Corona warning app

The Corona warning app has already been installed over 19 million times in Germany. Experts assume that the number of active users is around 16 million. Since Monday, there has been an update to the app, which offers two major new functions. The update is carried out automatically and users do not have to manually activate the functions. On the one hand, infected users can now record their symptoms in a diary function. An algorithm can then use this information to calculate the risk of infection more precisely. The new version also makes it possible to identify risks across countries. The app now also exchanges information with the official apps of other European countries. In this way, Europe-wide risk assessment should help identify and interrupt chains of infection. First, the apps from Germany, Ireland and Italy share their information. Other countries, such as Denmark, Spain and Austria, will follow. By the end of the year, apps from up to 16 European countries should share their information.

Update (19.10.2020)

Current figures

The number of infections is rising steadily throughout Germany. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the number of infected people rose by 4325 compared to the previous day. Berlin, Bremen, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland are particularly affected. Here, the 7-day incidence rates are above 50, which is considered a Germany-wide warning mark. With increased measures and restrictions, attempts are being made to keep the infection process under control as much as possible. The ultimate goal of the Ministry of Health is to save the economy from another collapse, as in March. According to Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn, maintaining regular operation of schools and daycare centers is also a priority.

Hospitality sector recovers slightly

According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, sales in the German hospitality sector rose by 5.5% in August compared to the previous month. As a result, hospitality businesses are slowly continuing to recover from the corona related slump. However, sales are still 22.2% below the figure in August 2019, meaning that the effects of the crisis are still being clearly felt.

Update (16.10.2020)

Stricter rules for Bavaria

After the government met with the prime minister on Wednesday on measures in the wake of the corona crisis, the Bavarian cabinet also met yesterday to discuss the measures. In doing so, they came to the decision to further tighten the rules applicable nationwide. This is based on the so-called traffic light system. This means a tightening of rules in 3 stages.

Is there an incidence value below 35 in a region

• As before, masks are compulsory in special places, such as restaurants or the ÖNPV
• Are events allowed indoors with up to 100 people and outdoors with up to 200 people

From an incidence value of 35, the following applies

• an extended mask requirement in public places and at work
• A curfew in the catering industry from 23:00
• Eon alcohol sales at gas stations and a ban on consumption in public places from 23:00
• a contact restriction of 10 people at private and public events

From an incidence value of 50, the following applies

• A mask requirement also at primary schools and in nurseries
• a tightened curfew from 22:00
• a contact restriction of only 5 people or 2 households

Bavaria therefore goes beyond the decisions of the Federal Government on a number of points.

Accommodation ban

The accommodation ban was lifted in Baden-Württemberg and Saxony. Other regions, including Bavaria, continue to stick to it. However, there are still no uniform regulations. They want to get this off the ground from November 8.

Update (15.10.2020)

Federal Government resolution on corona measures:

According to the decision of the Federal Government and the Minister-Presidents, uniform decisions on the so-called hotspot strategy apply nationwide:

• Starting at 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within one week, the following measures apply:
  • A participant limit of 25 people in public and 15 people in private space
  • Supplementary mask requirement in public spaces
  • Further limits on the number of participants at events
  • There is a recommendation to introduce a curfew in catering
• From an incidence of 50, the region is obliged to take further, stricter measures, these are:
  • The obligation to extend the mask requirement even more
  • Limit the number of event participants to 100
  • Contact limit in public spaces to a maximum of 10 people
  • Celebrations in public spaces with a maximum of 10 participants and privately a maximum of 10 participants from a maximum of 2 households
  • General curfew in restaurants after 11 pm and a general ban on selling alcohol outside

These measures serve to contain the incidence of infection and to maintain the possibility of contact tracing. If the measures do not reduce the incidence of infection in hotspot regions, these will be further aggravated.

Update (14.10.2020)

Accommodation bans within Germany

Most federal states currently have restrictions on travelers from risk areas within Germany. Cities or even districts that have exceeded the mark of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within 7 days are considered risk areas. The exact regulations on the accommodation ban differ in part among the federal states. However, travelers from risk areas are banned from staying overnight almost everywhere. In most cases, this can be circumvented by a negative corona test. It is important for hotel owners to find out about the rules currently in force in their federal state so as not to risk any violations. The applicable rules in the federal states can be found on the government's website. There are no general rules as to who pays for any cancellation costs that may arise. This depends on the individual contracts in question.

Stricter rules for high case numbers

Stricter measures are currently coming into force within a week once 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants are exceeded. In Munich, for example, masks are once again compulsory in public places and a restriction of 5 people who can meet. The exact regulations differ between regions, but up to now, it has generally been the case that reinforced measures must be taken above the target value of 50. However, that could change with today's meeting. According to a first draft, the federal government wants to enforce the stricter regulations starting at 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants. There should then be contact restrictions, curfew hours and the closure of bars and clubs. The exact details and figures are probably still being discussed.

More financial aid for affected sectors

Since the ever more far-reaching measures mean further restrictions on their operations for many sectors, aid should be stepped up for these companies. Aid measures should therefore be extended and conditions improved. More details will be announced in the government's press release this evening.

Update (01.07.2020)

The VAT cut is now in effect

Starting today, there is 16 percent value added tax instead of the usual 19 percent and the reduced tax rate drops to five percent. Until now, it was questionable whether companies would also pass on the tax cut to consumers. As has now been shown in retail, the tax cut will in fact be passed on to customers. Price reductions can be seen from Amazon to Lidl, but what quickly becomes clear is that the tax cut will not be passed on to the entire product range. In addition to the VAT cut, there is more pension and an increasing minimum wage in care.

How the economic stimulus package wants to help companies

In addition to the current VAT cut, the economic stimulus package is intended to help small and medium-sized enterprises in particular to bridge the wave of bankruptcies. The bridging aid of up to 25 billion euros will last for the months of June to August. In addition, fixed operating costs of up to 150,000 euros are to be reimbursed for the three months.

Update (30.06.2020)

Stabilization aid for restaurants and hotels

Catering and hotels are among the most affected areas during the corona period. Baden-Württemberg therefore wants to help the catering and hotel industry. An aid program is to start from July 1 with 330 million euros and last for three months. According to this, hotels and restaurants can apply for aid payment as long as they have a certificate from their tax advisor showing that there has been a liquidity bottleneck due to the corona pandemic. This is a one-time aid of up to 3,000 euros plus a maximum of 2,000 euros for each employee. This is intended to help medium-sized hospitality companies in the state in particular.

Easing for Hamburg in the event sector

From July 1, events with up to 1,000 participants may take place outdoors and indoors up to 650 participants. However, permission must be obtained and guests need fixed seats.

Update (29.06.2020)

Hesse and Saarbrücken: New easing in gastronomy

The state government of Saarbrücken is issuing new easing for restaurants. The mask requirement is now canceled and the buffet is open again. Under certain conditions, self-service is now allowed again and bars and pubs may open until 1 o'clock in the morning. A mask requirement only applies to personnel and only if the minimum distance cannot be maintained. In Hesse, the Hotel and Guest Association announced the end of the controversial five-square-meter rule on Tuesday. The new easing comes into force today. Nevertheless, the remaining hygiene rules apply in restaurants.

Increasing short-time work at car locations and in tourism

Studies by the Böckler Foundation's Institute of Economics and Social Sciences have shown that cities and districts with strong automotive industries had a high rate of reported short-time work. According to this, more than half of all employees subject to social security contributions showed short-time work at VW sites in Emden and Wolfsburg in March and April. The nationwide average in April was 31 percent. Despite increased use of short-time work, unemployment has also risen. According to WSI calculations, the largest increase in the unemployment rate was driven by the tourist areas of West Pomerania-Rügen (3.2 percentage points) and East Frisia (Wittmund) in Wittmund (2.6 percentage points).

Update (26.06.2020)

The number of downloads of the corona warning app has stood at 13.3 million since last Friday

Recent events in Gütersloh have shown that the danger is still not over and underlines the importance of preventing the spread of the virus. In a study, researchers from Oxford University simulated how a tracking app can help interrupt the spread of the virus. The result showed that at least 15 percent of the population would have to participate in order to be able to achieve an effect. Without protective measures such as respiratory masks or safety distances, 60 percent is required to achieve significant results. The number of downloads of the German Corona warning app on Friday is currently around 13 million, i.e. 16 percent of the population.

Saarland imposes treatment ban on corona hotspots

In recent days, several federal states had imposed restrictions on travelers from risk areas. The reason for this was the recent corona outbreak in the districts of Gütersloh and Warendorf. Saarland Minister-President Tobias Hans (CDU) advocated a “uniform national procedure” for dealing with travelers from countries with high infection rates.

Update (25.06.2020)

The Bavarian cabinet approves accommodation ban for travelers from the North Rhine-Westphalian corona risk area

Following the increase in the number of infected people in the districts of Gütersloh and Warendorf, Bavaria is imposing a ban on accommodation for holidaymakers from these areas. Hosts are required to prevent bookings from travelers from counties with more than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days. So if a hotelier cancels the booking, it is generally allowed due to national regulations. The Infection Protection Act states that the general public must be protected against infections, even if that restricts the fundamental right to free movement. Nevertheless, those affected whose bookings are cancelled have the right to a refund, but compensation is not possible.

Despite corona, customers are gradually turning to inner cities

According to Rolf Pangels, managing director of the Textile Trade Association (BTE), the German Press Agency, measurements in pedestrian zones and surveys among retailers show that visitor numbers on shopping streets have almost been reached again. The company Hystreet, which specializes in customer traffic in inner cities, also supports the assessments of the measurements. There are still 20 to 25 percent fewer customers on the roads in the countries. In addition, a survey by the industry journal “Textile Industry” showed that sales in recent weeks are still eight percent lower on average than the previous year's level.

Update (24.06.2020)

Cabinet approves aid package worth billions

The Federal Cabinet approves several major protective umbrellas intended to protect both citizens and companies from the financial consequences of the virus. For medium-sized companies, an unlimited credit program is to be provided through the state development bank. Large companies such as Lufthansa receive help through nationalizations. Small companies and self-employed people can receive 9,000 to 15,000 euros for three months if they can prove that there is a liquidity bottleneck due to corona. In addition, the cabinet decided on a protective shield for apprentices worth 500 million euros. Companies receive 2,000 or 3,000 euros per apprentice received if they are affected by the crisis due to short-time work or a drop in turnover but still maintain or even increase the number of apprenticeships.

Lockdown in the districts of Gütersloh and Warendorf

North Rhine-Westphalia: Since yesterday, the districts of Gütersloh and Warendorf have been in lockdown again. The reason for this was the massive coronavirus outbreak among meat processor Tönnies. With over 1550 corona cases, the slaughterhouse was closed for at least two weeks. Since corona cases have now also occurred at the Wiesenhof slaughterhouse, the lockdown was suspended until June 30. All residents of the districts can get tested for the virus free of charge. If there is no massive increase in cases of infection by the end of June, the lockdown will be lifted. The federal state of Bavaria has already announced a ban on accommodation for guests from districts with high infection rates, but exempts people with negative tests.

Update (23.06.2020)

Corona aid through the VAT cut

The temporary VAT cut is to be introduced from July 1. Instead of the usual 19 percent value added tax, it will only be 16 percent from next Wednesday. Major retail chains have already announced that they will pass on price cuts to customers, even though food prices are currently rising sharply. Many restaurant owners, on the other hand, admit that they are unable to lower prices due to higher purchase prices. Dehoga Bundesverband and Dehoga Bayern have collected useful information to help hospitality businesses, restaurateurs and hoteliers make the transition to everyday working life. The Dehoga Federal Association fact sheet can be found here.
These corona easing has been in place since 22.06.2020

After the disaster was lifted last week, measures to further ease the situation have now come into force in Bavaria. In the future, parties and group trips will be possible again under certain conditions. The sauna may also be reopened. Even in retail and leisure facilities, 10 square meters per person are now sufficient, instead of 20 square meters. In addition, employees of shops in cash register and counter areas or receptions may remove their masks if there is a transparent protective wall. For restaurants, the curfew has been extended until 11 pm. For more information on the easing, click here.

Update (22.06.2020)

Consumer advocates are critical of the VAT cut

Germany's top consumer advocate has commented on the federal government's economic stimulus package and the temporary VAT cut. According to the head of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations, Klaus Müller, there should be no noticeable relief for each individual. Restaurants and hotel associations as well as individual companies have already announced that they will hardly pass on the reduction to consumers.

More than 85 percent of cell phones run the Corona warning app

Since the Corona War app was released, there have been more than 11 million downloads. However, more of Germany's 83 million inhabitants must use this app to make an effective contribution. In addition, the warning app only works for newer smartphones; older devices cannot download the product due to the new technology and security process.

Update (19.06.2020)

Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof is closing 62 branches

The department store is also suffering from the consequences of the coronavirus. This afternoon, management will inform employees about the closure plans for 62 of the 172 branches. Up to 6000 full-time and around 7,500 part-time jobs are to be cut. According to the Tagesschau, up to 80 branch closures were originally planned, but this was prevented by concessions from landlords and employees. The company had already had to seek help in a protective shield procedure at the beginning of April. The department store expects sales losses of 1.4 billion euros by the end of 2022.
Institute for the World Economy: Corona costs one million jobs

According to the Institute for World Economy, there will be a drop in economic output of 6.8 percent and the loss of one million jobs this year. Nevertheless, IFW's head of economic stimulus Stefan Kooths said that the low point of the crisis had been overcome. There is still reason for concern, as this low point caused gross domestic product to fall by twelve percent and thus marked the sharpest economic slump since the existence of the Federal Republic. The IfW also explained that export business in particular has a long road to recovery ahead of it.

Update (18.06.2020)

What will change on Monday

From 22.06.2020, restaurateurs will be able to reopen until 11 p.m. Events with 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors are possible. According to Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger, a solution should be found for bars and pubs by the beginning of July. For the travel industry, hotels will be able to open their swimming pools, saunas and wellness areas from Monday.

Health authorities are overwhelmed with work thanks to the corona warning app

The government app has been available since Tuesday and is initially making a positive impression. The app determines whether we have been in contact with an infected person and there is a risk of infection as a result. Health authorities are already complaining about an overload of calls from unsettled users. On the day the corona warning app was published, 434 people called Berlin health authorities. App users should not be able to get along with the app, even with the phone number that is displayed there, they have difficulties. This led people to call the corona hotline or health authorities instead.

Update (17.06.2020)

Financing of the Corona Conjucture Package through a second supplementary budget

The government wants to finance its corona stimulus package with a second supplementary budget of 62.5 billion euros. However, as a result, Germany achieved new debt of 218.5 billion euros. According to Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, this should boost the economy again in the coming months. In addition, a temporary reduction in value added tax and bridging aid worth 25 billion euros for small and medium-sized companies should help during the corona crisis.

CureVac can test its vaccine on healthy volunteers

139 pharmaceutical companies, universities and research institutions worldwide are working on the development of a vaccine against the coronavirus. A total of 10 of them have received approval from the relevant government authorities to test their vaccine on humans. Today, the pharmaceutical company CureVac was the eleventh to receive approval. According to reports, CureVac CEO Mariola Fotin-Mleczek said that the preclinical data looks very good and that the vaccine really had a good protective effect in all animals.

Update (16.06.2020)

Corona warning app is now also in Germany

After lengthy preparations, the warning app is also available in Germany. Using Bluetooth technology, this should help identify the chains of infection and stop them in good time. The app is voluntary for every citizen to use. How effective the warning app can be depends on the number of users of the app, according to the President of the Federal Medical Association, Klaus Reinhart.

Corona easing at a glance

Despite doubts about the corona pandemic, further easing is being decided:

• From 17.06.2020, the disaster in Bavaria will be lifted
• From 17.06.2020, meetings of up to ten people from different households are possible
• Outdoor events with up to 50 people indoors and up to 100 people outside may take place from 22.06.
• Cultural events with more spectators possible on June 22, 2020
• Indoor pools and spas will be reopened next Monday
• From 22.06.2020, curfew for restaurants is extended to 11 p.m.

Update (15.06.2020)

A law for the corona warning app?

The app is due to be officially presented on Tuesday and will be available in various app stores. But according to the Expert Council for Consumer Affairs, the corona warning app should be regulated by law. The use of a law for the contact tracing app has a positive effect on legitimacy, according to SVRV chairman Peter Kenning. Federal Minister of Justice Christine Lambrecht (SPD) and Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) point out that the general provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) cover and “clearly” regulate all data protection issues. Accordingly, the introduction of a law should only make citizens feel compelled to use it.

End of corona border controls

As of today, it is possible to travel to and from Germany without borders. At midnight, the Federal Police stopped border controls imposed by Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer on March 16. However, border control with Austria remains in place to prevent migration of asylum seekers from third countries.

Update (12.06.2020)

Does insurance pay for the consequences of corona?

Many restaurateurs and smaller hotels had to close for weeks due to the corona crisis, and now they had to deal with the damage themselves. Business closure insurance claims to have no responsibility for the damage caused by Covid-19. According to Allianz boss Oliver Bäte, the industry would pull the rug from under its feet, as they had not paid a premium for insurance coverage before.

Corona app should prevent the spread of the virus

From next week, the federal government's warning app should help keep infection figures low. The development is said to have cost 20 million euros. The app should inform users when there is a risk that they have become infected with the virus. This gives them the information that they can go into quarantine in good time.

Update (10.06.2020)

Online supermarket Rohlik is coming to Munich

Due to the corona crisis, supermarket chains declined and online supermarkets saw a rise. A new online delivery company is now coming to Munich. Rohlik is the name of the new supermarket, which is already known in Austria under the name “Gurkel”. Rohlik is due to start its location in Munich at the end of the year, and it remains to be seen whether this online trade will be a competition for the giants Rewe, Edeka and Co.

Federal Government agrees on “National Hydrogen Energy”

Following the corona conjugation package, the black-red coalition finally agreed on the hydrogen strategy. National Hydrogen Energy is expected to create German generation plants of up to five gigawatts of total output by 2030. According to Anja Karliczek, Minister of Education and Research, CDU, green hydrogen is the central issue in the energy sector and in preventing CO2 emissions. The aim is to position Germany as an international pioneer in green hydrogen.

The hotel industry continues to struggle with the consequences of the coronavirus

According to reports, lodging establishments suffered an 89.3 percent drop in guest traffic in April. In the previous month, it was said to have been 52.7 percent. According to the Federal Statistical Office Destatis, this is the sharpest decline to date since 1992. According to the Fairmas Hotel Reports Despite easing in the federal states, the figures for the month of May should continue to fall.

Update (09.06.2020)

Corona requirements: Thuringian cabinet ends contact restrictions.

From June 13, the contact restrictions imposed during the corona pandemic will now be lifted. New regulations only recommend meetings with a maximum number of ten people or only with one other household. In addition, masks are still mandatory in shops and in public transport.

TK is the first statutory fund that offers doctor visits via video app.

The Techniker Kasse should now offer consultation hours via video app for around 10 million. According to TC boss Jens Baas, the request was for virtual consultations, as they offer easy and convenient access without risk of infection. As a result, online consultations will take place with established doctors who will treat eight symptoms: flu-like infection, gastrointestinal infection and migraine to back pain and corona symptoms. According to newspaper reports, medicines should also be prescribed and certificates of incapacity for work issued.

Update (08.06.2020)

Gyms may reopen in view of hygiene measures

As of today, gyms, dance schools and bowling lanes are open again in Bavaria. However, it is mandatory to wear masks when entering and leaving companies. Fitness equipment is disinfected after each use and there must be a minimum distance from each device. Excessive sport is also discouraged at the start.

German production is suffering from the effects of the economic downturn in the spring months

According to the Federal Statistical Office, German production is said to have suffered a setback of - 17.9%. Energy supply and construction should be particularly affected. According to Handelsblatt, a decline in production is expected to continue, but this should be flatter.

Update (04.06.2020)

Coalition approves a stimulus package worth 130 billion euros

A temporary lower value-added tax, aid for municipalities, subsidies for families and higher purchase premiums for electric cars — the leaders of the grand coalition agreed on an economic stimulus package for 2020 and 2021 of 130 billion euros after tough struggles late on Wednesday evening. The federal government accounts for 120 billion euros. This is intended to revive the economy and consumption of citizens and avoid a severe recession as a result of the corona pandemic.

Union and SPD have qualified for a child bonus

Due to the pandemic, the Union and the SPD have agreed that families will receive 300 euros per child once. The money is expected to be paid out together with the child benefit in the next few months.

Update (27.05.2020)

EU Commission wants to mobilize 750 billion euros

The EU Commission is proposing an aid package of 750 billion euros for Europe's economic recovery following the corona crisis. According to several agencies, 500 billion euros should flow as non-repayable grants and 250 billion euros as loans. To this end, loans on the capital market are to be taken out on the capital market on behalf of the European Union and repaid together over decades.

Söder announces that gyms in Bavaria may reopen

At a press conference, Bavaria's Minister President Söder announced that fitness studios in the Free State may reopen from June 8 and under strict hygiene regulations.

Update (26.05.2020)

Cinemas and theaters in Bayrn may reopen from June 15

Bavaria's cabinet has addressed new easing. According to Minister President Söder, cinemas and theaters will soon be able to reopen from June 15. Face masks should be compulsory in theaters. Theatres are in the process of developing adapted concepts for performances — for example, performances without breaks and shorter plays.

Outdoor restaurants in Bavaria may be open from June 2 until 22:00

According to Minister of Economics Aiwanger (Freie Wähler), as previously announced, has stated that beer gardens and other outdoor restaurants may be open from June 2 until 10:00 p.m. As a result of the easing, no negative effects on the infection rate could be seen.

Easing school operations in Bavaria

Söder announced that the goal is to largely reopen schools and daycare centers in July so that regular operations can take place again after the summer vacation.

Bavaria promises a test guarantee for people with “SARS-CoV-2" symptoms

The test should take place within 24 hours and show a result within 48 hours. For particularly critical areas, such as the care and health sector (nurses, etc.) or the social sector, there should be series tests in the future.

Update (20.05.2020)

Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron agree on a 500 billion euro bailout package

Chancellor Merkel and Frareich President Macron also agreed on an aid package of 500 billion euros to help states affected by the corona crisis. The Union faction supports the compromise. It should be noted that this Franco-German compromise can be regarded as a milestone - especially as Europe has so far presented a less favourable picture of this crisis.

Number of active corona cases falls to 11,000

Currently, the coronavirus is slowly being pushed back. According to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), there are currently around 11,000 active cases in Germany.

Update (15.05.2020)

Test capacities and new reporting requirements should be expanded

Corona tests and new reporting requirements are being expanded in Germany. This was decided by the Federal Council today, Friday, as part of its vote on the Pandemic Protection Act, which the Bundestag had only passed on Thursday. The new regulation states that statutory health insurance companies must pay for the tests even if someone shows no symptoms. Particularly in the vicinity of particularly vulnerable people - such as in old people's homes or nursing homes - there should be increased testing for the virus.

Germany has slipped into recession

The German economy contracted by 2.2% in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter. Experts are still predicting one more significant downward trend in the second quarter.

Test capacities in Germany are far from exhausted

In Germany, a total of more than 3.1 million coronavirus tests have been carried out so far - around 197,100 of which are positive (source: RKI). According to the Robert Koch Institute, 913 new infections and 101 deaths were reported daily.

Update (11.05.2020)

Contact ban extension

In principle, the contact ban continues until June 5, but people from two different households are now also allowed to meet. Mask requirements and social distancing rules are maintained.

Easing in parts of Germany

In several federal states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and Bavaria, the requirements to contain the virus are being further relaxed. Large stores are allowed to open up, restrictions on restaurants or sports, for example, are being relaxed, and more students are returning to schools.

• Lower Saxony: Large stores are allowed to reopen subject to conditions, daycare is being expanded, and certain tourist trips are becoming possible again. Restaurants, pubs, cafes and beer gardens are allowed to reopen. However, operators must meet a number of requirements: For example, a maximum of half of the places may be allocated. Tables must be arranged at least two meters apart. Restaurant visitors must leave their contact details.
• bavaria: All shops, museums and zoos may open. Students who graduate in the coming year are allowed back to schools. The state government provides for a weekly alternation between face-to-face teaching at school and teaching at home. Stores with more than 800 square meters of retail space are now also allowed to open and service providers such as nail and beauty salons or driving schools can resume operations. Team athletes may also train again subject to conditions.
• North Rhine Westphalia: Restaurants, cafes and pubs with seats may open both indoors and outdoors, and gyms may also reopen.

Update (06.05.2020)

New easing at state level

Restaurants in Rhineland-Palatinate may reopen from May 13. Appropriate hygiene measures apply.

In NRW, fitness studios, dance schools and club houses will be allowed to open again from May 11, subject to strict conditions. Nine days later, on May 20, outdoor pools are also to be opened.

Hesse plans to allow events

The individual federal states can implement some of the corona measures alone. Hesse is the first federal state to plan to allow events of up to 100 participants or even possibly 200 participants (depending on size). The hygiene concept must be complied with accordingly.

Merkel announces easing

The federal government in the form of Angela Merkel has announced further easing today, May 6.

So now all stores can - regardless of size - reopen. Previously, there was a maximum size of 800 square meters. Catering establishments should be opened from next Saturday Can. However, there are strict hygiene requirements here, which can be specified by the individual federal states. In Lower Saxony, for example, there is a reservation requirement, as well as a maximum occupancy rate of a guest establishment of 50%.

Die general Contact restriction For now, it will remain in place until June 5. Just like the obligation to wear masks on public transport and when shopping.

An emergency plan is also available, which enables individual regions to react flexibly to new outbreaks. If the number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants exceeds the 50-person mark within seven days, the easing will be temporarily withdrawn until the number of cases normalizes.

Opening summit expected

Today, May 6, Chancellor Angela Merkel is meeting with the Minister-Presidents of the federal states. It is expected that further easing will be announced at federal and state levels. The following areas are the subject of discussion:

• (retail) trade: The 800 square meter rule is fiercely disputed. It is therefore highly anticipated whether and which easing of trade will be decided.
• gyms: Gyms are one sector that hasn't been too prominently represented in general discussion so far. The Industry association DSVV Now wants to increase pressure to open up healthcare facilities.
• gastronomy: Lower Saxony and bavaria have already presented concrete plans for gradual easing. Rumor has it that a nationwide strategy of easing could already From May 9th start. The aim is to enable widespread operation by May 22.
• Theatre, culture, trade fairs, leisure: Due to the variety of leisure facilities, decisions are likely to be made here at state level. Regional strategies are also conceivable. Major events such as festivals, concerts or sports tournaments remain prohibited until August 31.

Update (05.05.2020)

Bavaria is slowly following suit

From May 25, restaurants in Bavaria will be allowed to open subject to strict conditions. Hotels may also reopen from May 30. There are also strict requirements there, such as that there may be no saunas.

Minister President Söder stops at a Press conference firmly: “We must not learn to live with corona, but to deal with the new freedoms responsibly.” Söder also emphasizes that Bavarians do not want to lose their zest for life. Yet he continues to urge responsibility and vigilance. Minister of Economic Affairs Aiwanger speaks of a “big step towards normality” in the Free State and emphasizes systemically important gastronomy in Bavaria.

From May 18, beer gardens may also reopen.

Just a week earlier, on May 11, shopping galleries and retailers were also allowed to open over 800 square meters.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania revives tourism

Even before the federal government's corona summit tomorrow, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is also easing lockdown measures after Lower Saxony.

Catering establishments should therefore be allowed to reopen on Saturday as long as a maximum of six adults are sitting at a table. This is subject to strict hygiene regulations.

From May 18, the hospitality industry should be allowed to open and a week later, from May 25, tourists from other federal states may go on vacation in the federal state on the Baltic Sea. However, there is a maximum occupancy of 60% per establishment.

In addition to these easing, smaller businesses such as bicycle or boat rental companies should also be allowed to reopen from May 11.

Update (04.05.2020)

Lower Saxony advances at restaurant opening due to corona

Bernd Althusmann, Lower Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs, announces that from Monday, May 11, catering establishments may reopen subject to conditions. Die World reports.

The restaurants and cafés may provide a maximum of 50% of the seats for guests. There is also a reservation requirement.

Health professionals now also receive government aid

Not all details are yet known, but dentists are expected to earn up to 90% of the previous year's earnings through government aid. However, this figure could still fall. Physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists received 40% of their turnover from the last quarter of 2019 as a one-off subsidy.

Meetings of up to 5 people allowed in Saxony-Anhalt

The black-red-green state government in Saxony-Anhalt is easing the contact restriction from 2 to 5 possible people who can meet. Reference is made to the comparatively lower infection figures in the federal state. Whether other countries will follow will depend, among other things, on the results of Wednesday, May 6, when the Federal Government meets again.

Update (30.04.2020)

Contact restrictions likely to be extended until May 10

Chancellor's Office Spokesman Helge Braun stated ahead of the intergovernmental conference today, Thursday (May 10), that contact restrictions will remain in place in Germany until at least May 10.

Hotels and restaurants in a state of limbo — loss of up to 18 billion by the end of May

The Federal Government does not want to talk about a further timetable for hotels and restaurants until Wednesday, May 6. Meanwhile, reports Guido Zoellick (Dehoga) from forecasts that the catering industry could lose up to 18 billion by the end of May. In addition, around a third of all companies in this sector would endanger their existence. In figures, these are around 70,000 companies.

Update (28.04.2020)

New initiative for Munich gastronomy

The website Lunchaffair lists interested restaurateurs in and around Munich who offer a delivery service. Restaurateurs can participate free of charge on the website.

New developments regarding the corona crisis in Germany too

On this Tuesday, there was also further adjustments also in Germany on the government's previous course.

The contact restrictions and the mask requirement as measures were extended from May 3 to May 10. The time should be used to evaluate further adjustments.

In addition, outdoor demonstrations and gatherings should be allowed again from May 4. A maximum of 50 participants are allowed and must continue to keep a distance of 1.5 meters.

Larger stores are also now allowed to reopen. If they are larger than 800 square meters, the area accessible to customers must be artificially enclosed.

A bang in Austria

Die Austrian government lifts lockdown restrictions as of May 1. Also known are upcoming schedules for tourism and gastronomy.

As of May 1, the strict restrictions are to be lifted due to the favourable development of the number of cases. The minimum distance of 1.5 meters and the mask requirement remain in place. In addition, all shops, as well as hairdressers, may reopen from May 4.

Catering establishments should be allowed to reopen in mid-May and tourism businesses may reopen from May 29.

Update (27.04.2020)

No strategy in tourism yet

Even less clear than in the case of gastronomy, a solution strategy for tourism seems obvious. Due to the international nature of the issue, the EU tourism ministers want to work together on a solution over the next few weeks. For example, it is possible that tourism between neighboring countries will initially be able to restart with similar progress in fighting the pandemic. The Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek even believes that it is possible to return to the Schengen area from July.

In Germany, Foreign Minister Spahn is slowing down expectations even more. The “Federal Tourism Competence Center” In the meantime, plan with three different scenarios. In an optimistic scenario, an almost complete normalization of the previous year's turnover could be achieved by the end of 2020 (90%), at least within Germany. In a realistic scenario, normalization will not be assumed until mid-2021. In a pessimistic scenario, even only mid/end of 2023.

Die international travel warning, which is currently valid until May 3, is likely to be maintained beyond that, as a foreign office spokesperson reported on Monday.

Efforts for gastronomy, but no timetable yet

Some politicians, such as Hamburg Senator for Economic Affairs Michael Westhagemann, hope for Easing in the hospitality sector soon. Westhagemann believes that May 18 is appropriate to reopen the catering sector with easing restrictions. Other politicians, such as the Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, continue to urge patience. Söder prefers to open restaurants a week later than in other federal states when there is more security.

In the meantime, Saxony already has detailed ideas. Here he could 6 May or Ascension Day (21 May) suitable dates be. You could start by opening outdoor areas. In Switzerland, are Easing for catering businesses It may be expected as early as May 11.

There have recently been silent protest actions by numerous restaurateurs nationwide. Symbolically, they are located in well-known places in the Republic empty chairs on.

Nationwide mask requirement comes into force

Since 27.04., masks have been compulsory in Germany. Masks that cover the nose and mouth must now be worn on public transport and public spaces. In some federal states, however, a scarf or shawl is also sufficient.

800-square-meter rule unconstitutional in Bavaria

Since April 20, many stores in Bavaria have actually been allowed to reopen. But far from all. This is because stores over 800 square meters were previously considered too problematic in the fight against the spread of the virus. The Bavarian Administrative Court has this Regulation now declared unconstitutional. The rule was therefore unjustified. However, the verdict has no consequences for the time being. The court does not override the applicable rules. The reason is the general exceptional situation, as well as the fact that even larger stores could probably have opened their doors from May 4 anyway.

Update (23.04.2020)

Increase in short-time work allowance

After lengthy negotiations, the CDU and the SPD have agreed to increase short-time work allowance from 60% to 80%. For workers with children, short-time work allowance will also be increased by 20 percentage points from 67% to 87%.

However, the changes do not take effect immediately, but in stages. In the first three months, a further 60%/67% short-time work allowance applies. This amount is increased to 70%/77% after four months and to 80%/87% after seven months.

Reduced sales tax for restaurateurs

From July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, the sales tax for catering businesses will be reduced from 19% to 7%. This should help restaurateurs quickly attract more customers and boost the industry as a whole.

However, it is not yet clear when restaurateurs will be allowed to open regularly and on a large scale.

Offsetting losses in the current financial year

Small and medium-sized companies can now offset expected losses against tax advances already made in 2019.

Update (21.04.2020)

Which stores are allowed to open where?

Due to the federal structure, different retailers in individual federal states are allowed to reopen their stores. An overview of this can be found in this article from Business Insiders.

Hygiene label as an aid when reopening a restaurant?

Hundreds of thousands to millions of restaurateurs around the world currently have very little to no income. In collaboration with Bureau Veritas (certification company), the hotel group Accor now wants a hygiene label develop that could help hotels and restaurants reopen more quickly.

Talks with French ministries are to take place as early as the next few days. Organizations such as WHO should also be involved in order to create uniform standards.

It is not yet clear whether and when there will be such a label in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Bundesbank does not forecast rapid recovery of the German economy

Bundesbank experts assume that the Economy in Germany continues to shrink. However, the extent to which this happens depends primarily on the possible easing of the crisis. On the positive side, the Bundesbank is not currently expecting a downward spiral. The reason for this is billions in aid and instruments such as short-time work.

Tax breaks for hotels and restaurateurs?

On 22.04., the Federal Government wants to talk about the situation in the hospitality industry. One way to help restaurateurs and hotel owners is to Reduction of sales tax to 7% - at least in the hotel industry. This measure would give many hospitality businesses a few weeks or even months.

Austria wants to reopen restaurants in the second half of May

Once again, Austria may be making headway in easing the corona restrictions. From mid-May, Reopen restaurants, but subject to strict conditions. What exactly the requirements look like has not yet been finally confirmed. However, a face mask requirement for cellars should apply in the same way as a limit on tables and the number of people.

Update (16.04.2020)

First tentative easing for smaller businesses

As the federal government announced yesterday, the contact restrictions will still apply until at least May 3.

However, there is also good news. Smaller stores such as bookstores, bicycle retailers, etc. with less than 800 square meters of retail space may reopen from April 20. However, strict hygiene measures apply to them.

Berlin companies join forces

On the platform”Entrepreneurs help companies Berlin“Companies based in the federal capital can network and exchange information and resources to get through the crisis together.

Update (14.04.2020)

Emergency plan for bosses and companies in the event of corona infection

If a managing director in a company has been infected with corona, uncertainty is inevitable. That is why the Stuttgarter Zeitung Put together clear recommendations to prevent the worst case scenario. The guide includes basic recommendations, but also detailed lists and is here to see.

#Gotodinner as emergency corona aid for Hamburg restaurateurs

During the action #gotodinner Guests can purchase a €100 voucher for €85. Restaurateurs therefore give a 15% discount and receive a safe income of 85€ per customer. The vouchers can be redeemed after the Corona crisis.

Hamburg restaurateurs can register for the initiative by sending an email to gotodinner@opium.hamburg write.

Update (09.04.2020)

Cases of fraud involving emergency aid applications in NRW

In times of crisis, there are always fraudsters who want to exploit the dire situation of small companies. This also applies to NRW. There, criminals tried to obtain sensitive data from companies using a fake website by pretending to be able to fill out emergency aid applications on the website.

Please be careful only on official sites (Like this one from NRW) to submit applications. If in doubt, double-check the pages, talk to the responsible local Chamber of Commerce or your tax advisor.

Health Minister Spahn talks about easing the shutdown

As demands from industry, business and society for easing the shutdown are getting louder and louder, the Federal Government is considering what options there are to do so. The current rules on curfew and the closure of public life as far as possible apply until April 20. However, according to Health Minister Spahn for the first time, there are already Considerations to gradually ease measures.

Rules for bakeries over the Easter holidays

As the Bavarian Confectionery Guild reports in an internal letter available to Socialwave, bakeries and confectioneries can maintain operations as before due to the corona crisis on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. However, this only applies to companies that could have continued operations over Easter even before the corona crisis in accordance with catering regulations.

Pure sales outlets without an attached café, on the other hand, may only open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. But that's just three hours a day. They must remain closed on Easter Monday.

Update (08.04.2020)

Socialwave helps - overview of funding by federal state and contact available

On our new overview page, you can find financial Help for your respective federal state, including contacts.

Organizers can issue vouchers to customers for expired tickets

As the cabinet has decided, organizers can now offer customers for unusual events issue a voucher, which can be redeemed by the end of 2021. This is intended to prevent organizers, who are already one of the hardest hit by a lack of income, from being further burdened by ticket withdrawals.

Update (06.04.2020)

Federal government assumes 100% liability for loans from small and medium-sized enterprises

In a so-called”Quick credit program“In times of the corona crisis, the federal government is significantly accommodating small and medium-sized companies. With a loan amount of up to 800,000€ (depending on the size of the company) and with a maximum term of 10 years, small and medium-sized enterprises can receive loans from KfW. The program should possibly start as early as Thursday, 09.04.2020.

Hotels can offer home offices

Many hotels currently fear for their existence. So that hotels do not have to completely forego income, there are creative ways to deal with the corona crisis. Some hotels already offer home offices for people who are unable to work well at home. Auf this overview page The hotels can be found. As a hotel owner, you can also make a listing request.

Business consulting for SMEs and the self-employed funded with up to €4,000

The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control announces that, due to the corona crisis, small and medium-sized enterprises funded with up to €4,000 to take advantage of consulting services. The funding is provided without the entrepreneurs' own contribution. The funding is available until 31.12.2020 and is intended to help smaller companies get through the crisis.

Update (02.04.2020)

Europe-wide short-time work allowance and focus on self-employed people, farmers and fishermen

The EU wants a “Marshall Plan” for Europe Set up to face the corona crisis together. To this end, 100 billion euros are to be raised on the financial market and paid out as European short-time work allowance “Sure”. Special aid is also planned for farmers, fishermen and the self-employed, who could expect income compensation, for example.

Aid from the federal government for start-ups during the corona crisis

The federal government wants young start ups in Germany support the corona crisis with a total of 2 billion euros. According to Minister of Economics Altmaier and Finance Minister Scholz, the funds are to be invested in start-ups together with private co-investors. As a result, planned financing rounds should take place despite the crisis. To this end, they are working on a future fund with a volume of 10 billion euros. This should be available in the next few weeks.

Update (31.03.2020)

New apps and providers to protect local trade

The app”LokalKauf“is going live soon. Local retailers and even restaurateurs can register there. Customers can then order via app. The provider”Single Hero“helps stationary retailers set up an online shop quickly and reliably. The City of Munich is working on a similar approach with the initiative”Miagehnonline“.

Numerous voucher initiatives for restaurateurs and local retailers are launching in the DACH region

Crises make people inventive. Most restaurant operators and local retailers currently fear for their existence. New initiatives should help. Restaurateurs and retailers can register free of charge on various platforms. Consumers are now buying vouchers and can redeem them after the corona crisis. Here are the portals that you can also use:

• Helfen.Berlin
• Please don't close
• Pay now eat later
• Buy Anticipation (Austria)

Google is helping with up to 800 million dollars during the corona crisis

The largest search engine in the world itself expects a decline in sales due to a lack of advertising revenue. Nonetheless Google wants almost 1 trillion dollars spend on corona aid. Of this, around 340 million dollars are to be granted as loans for SMEs in order to enable small and medium-sized companies to advertise, for example, to draw the attention of their customers to the fact that there is now a delivery service. The majority of the remaining budget will primarily be made available to health authorities and NGOs in order to also place advertisements in which citizens worldwide can be made aware of health information.

Süddeutsche Zeitung launches local portal for Munich restaurants and retailers in the corona crisis

Munich restaurants and retailers are resolutely resisting the corona crisis. New help is coming from the Süddeutsche Zeitung. This has a Internet portal set up, in which restaurateurs and local retailers can register quickly and easily. Consumers can then see who is delivering what in times of corona. Entrepreneurs hope to be able to continue to generate sales as a result while taking advantage of the reach of southern Germans. You can access the portal over here

Update: (30.03.2020)

DEHOGA Bayern launches “local heroes” platform for restaurateurs

In order to protect restaurateurs from impending insolvency in the event of prolonged shutdown measures, DEHOGA in Bavaria is launching the portal”Snooop.net“. Catering establishments can register here and draw attention to their measures, such as delivery service and/or collection. You can find more options for restaurateurs in our Catering Corona articles.

Emergency aid for SMEs on the way

Government aid of around 50 billion euros for small and medium-sized enterprises is on the way. From Monday, 30.03.2020, the countries can make the corresponding funds Quick and unbureaucratic retrieval.

Portal for local retailers in Austria is being expanded

Die Snooop.net cooperates with the online retailer portal Snooop.netto protect local retailers from the effects of the corona crisis. Retailers and restaurants can register. Consumers have the opportunity to see which retailers and restaurants offer takeaway or delivery. This is intended to prevent a drop in sales to 0%. We have further options for restaurateurs in our Corona catering articles put together for you.

Economy predicts severe recession

In three different scenarios, economic experts have made their forecasts for Snooop.net portrayed. At best, the German economy would recover in the second half of 2020. In the worst case scenario, Germany would fall completely into recession in 2020 and the recovery in 2021 would be slow.

Update (26.03.2020)

G20 countries want to invest 5 trillion dollars

At a video conference of the G20 countries, which Chancellor Merkel also took part, the leading industrialized nations decided to fight the corona virus up to 5 trillion dollars to invest. What measures will result from this and how they will be distributed among individual countries is still unclear at present.

Sky waives fees for hosts and hotels

The payment sender Sky renounces retroactively As of March 14, hosts and hotels on the fees for the Sky program. This aid for restaurants and hotels is based on the length of the corona crisis.

Tenant protection approved by Bundestag during corona crisis

During the corona crisis Can tenants not be terminatedif a rent payment cannot be made due to the consequences of Corona. Electricity, water and energy must also not be switched off. The Bundestag provides for tenants to repay lost rents between April and June by the end of June 2022.

It is still unclear whether there are special measures for commercial tenants. However, you should talk to your landlord immediately and find a solution. Landlords are also only people and will be interested in finding a solution for both parties.

Economic stabilization fund for large companies with more than 400 billion

The Ministry of Finance sets a stabilization fund with a volume of more than 400 billion euros. Small and medium-sized companies with up to 249 employees, as well as the self-employed, are denied these funds. The fund's funds are only available to companies with 250 employees or more.

Government aid during the crisis for small businesses and solo self-employed people

Federal aid for companies has taken shape. For small business owner and Solo self-employed Does that mean loud BMWi:

• • up to 9,000€ one-time payment for 3 months (up to 5 employees)
  • up to 15,000€ one-time payment for 3 months (up to 15 employees)
  • In the case of rent discounts, the aid sum can be extended
  • More information directly from the BMWi

Assessment of the economic situation in the tourism sector is not falling any further for the time being

The Federal Tourism Competence Center surveys employees in the tourism sector on a daily basis to assess their own economic situation. It seems hopeless for hotels and the like at the moment, but the low point seems to have already been reached. More info here.

KfW special program for SMEs launched

That KfW special program 2020 Is available now. The Nationwide Program for State Aid for Companies in Crisis is Being Launched.

KfW assumes up to 90% of the risk when borrowing for companies. The loans are available for working capital and investments. KfW offers both loans to established companies (from 5 years of business activity: KfW business loan (037/047)), as well as for new companies (less than 5 years of business activity: ERP Founder Credit — Universal (073/074/075/076)) on.

KfW loans cannot be applied for directly from the Bank for Reconstruction. You must do this at your house bank, which in turn contacts KfW.

Update (24.03.2020)

Huge Aid Package Approved by Cabinet

The Federal Cabinet has a 156 billion euro aid package Decided to provide support during the corona crisis. Families, employees, self-employed people and companies should benefit. In addition, tenants should be relieved, Hartz IV applications facilitated and clinics supported.

What is planned for small companies?

Direct Financial Injections: Very Small Companies and Self-employed, musicians, photographers, naturopaths or nurses who barely get loans right now can receive 9,000 to 15,000 euros for three months. This should work unbureaucratically, they just have to ensure that they have a liquidity bottleneck due to corona.

Update (23.03.2020)

The consequences of the corona crisis are hitting small and medium-sized companies in particular hard. Many restorers and self-employed people are now worried about their existence: There are no sales, but fixed costs such as rent and insurance must continue to be paid. There are around four million small entrepreneurs nationwide, most of whom work in trade or offer services.

The corona crisis is particularly dangerous for these companies. They often do not have large financial reserves to survive a week-long standstill. There is often a risk of insolvency — at least if companies do not receive the aid promised by the state quickly enough, such as unbureaucratic short-time work allowance and quick loans via the state-owned Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW for short).

The problem with this is that restoreurs and self-employed people often have no privileged contacts with banks and politics — it takes a correspondingly long time for them to process their applications. As soon as demand for liquidity assistance is high, those whose business is based on contact with many customers and is most at risk — such as restaurateurs and gyms — should come first.

(In two industry articles for caterers and Gym Operators, we have collected successful examples from our customers to get through the crisis.)

In most federal states, leisure activities, such as bars, zoos, museums and clubs, are already closed. This has profound effects on gastronomy. It is essential for these affected companies to act quickly in order to successfully survive a crisis of this magnitude. In the following article, you can find out what financial resources and aid from the state you can expect.

Overview of Government Aid for Companies in Crisis

Update (09.12.2020)

That”Handelsblatt“Has created a detailed guide as of 24.11.2020 as a PDF file on how the “November Aid” 2020 is handled for applicants: Counsels

Further, up-to-date information on supporting self-employed people and companies is available at Bundesregierung.de

Short-time work allowance (KAG)

The most important instrument for reducing financial burdens is short-time work allowance (CISA). The Federal Government has drastically simplified the requirements for granting the CISA. The main goal of short-time work is for employees to work fewer hours over a certain period of time so as not to have to be dismissed. The following criteria must be met:

1. The claim must be based on an unavoidable event or economic reasons (Section 96 SGB III). This is already fully true due to the closure order of the companies.
2. Normal working hours must be significantly reduced temporarily
3. Normally, at least 30% of employees must be sent on short-time work. This value has been reduced to 10%. But it will probably result in 100% being sent on short-time work if the company is closed due to official orders.

Die Federal Employment Agency After approval by KAG, covers around 60% of the difference between the original net wage and the net salary after the reduction of hours for a maximum of 12 months. In addition, and this was only decided for this crisis, the agency covers 100% of the social security contributions. This is really a very big financial relief for employers.

The tax office also helps

As part of the crisis measures, the Federal Government also decided on reductions in the area of taxes. The following measures were decided:

1. The deferral of tax payments is made easier.
2. Advance payments can be reduced more easily.
3. Enforcements and late payment charges are currently waived.

Funding and Loans from the Federal States

Traditional funding and credit options are also widely available, but this varies from state to state.

Baden-Württemberg

The state government is preparing Billions of dollars in direct aid to help small and medium-sized companies and solo self-employed people and to prevent a wave of insolvencies.

Die Landeskreditbank (LBank) And the Bürgschaftsbank Have expanded their offerings. The following measures have been adopted: Doubling the Guarantee Ceiling to 2.5 Millions Euro (previously 1.25 million euros), increase in the guarantee ratio for working capital to 80 percent, increasing the federal counterguarantee by 10 percentage points, thus reducing the risk of Bürgschaftsbank to 25 percent. The measures support across industries All Commercial Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises As well as the liberal professions and are supported by Bürgschaftsbank From now on implemented.

Die Landeskreditbank With its offering, it can provide sufficient liquidity even in times of difficult economic conditions. The promotional loans are granted using the so-called house banking process. Liquidity loans Can companies with up to 500 employees
Cover the lowest interest rates, with a flexible term offer of between four and ten years and a standard loan amount of up to 5 million euros. For existing promotional loans, L-Bank offers up to 12-month Suspension of Repayments On.

Guarantees from L-Bank: If a house bank is unable to provide an affected person due to a lack of collateral
Granting companies a liquidity credit/working capital loan to bridge the time period can L-Bank Reduce up to 80 percent of the risk in individual cases. Die L-Bank provides guarantees from 2.5 to 5 million euros. The state guarantee — guarantees of 5 million euros — is provided by L-Bank settled.

bavaria

Bavaria declared a nationwide disaster on March 16, 2020. To contain the virus and mitigate the consequences of the coronavirus, the country has a A protective shield of now 20 billion euros (as of 25.03.2020), which is to be financed by taking out loans.

Bank guarantees

The state government upped the guarantee framework for LfA Förderbank to 500 million euros. The guarantee ratio for working capital financing and the liability exemption in universal credit are reduced to 80 percent generously raised, The application process is significant accelerates.

Emergency Corona aid

Small businesses in particular are being attacked by state government with Emergency aid under the arms. Companies in need receive unbureaucratically and at very short notice between 5,000 and 30,000 euros. that Ministry of Economy will create the implementation requirements for a “Emergency Corona Aid” funding program as quickly as possible.

Bayernfonds

To protect larger SMEs, the state government set up a Bayern fund. The Bayernfonds should provide a Alternative to liquidity assistance offer in order to be able to invest in solidly positioned systemically important companies affected by the corona crisis.

More flexible working time rules

In order to compensate for short-term personnel and production bottlenecks, they should be given temporary flexibility in working time rules. The exceptions should longer working time corridors on weekdays, employment at Sundays and holidays And a temporary reduction of rest periods and provide rest breaks in harmony with employees.

berlin

The Senate will bridging loans with a volume of up to 100 million euros via the Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) provide. Sectors previously excluded and now very severely affected, such as retail, catering, accommodation and consumer-oriented services (e.g. clubs), will have access to these funds.

The liquidity fund of IBB In addition to the manufacturing sector, also for tourism, hotels, restaurants and retail, but also for clubs and restaurants.

In addition, the requirements for Short-time work allowance currently significantly simplified as well as companies through the facilitated Tax deferments, relieves adjusted advance tax payments and the waiver of enforcement measures.

brandenburg

Not a loan, but a NON-repayable subsidy Brandenburg should get SMEs and freelancers in financial emergencies. If existence is acutely threatened, the flow depends on the number of employees:

• up to 2 employees up to 5,000, - EUR,
• up to 5 employees up to 10,000, - EUR,
• up to 15 employees up to 15,000, - EUR,
• up to 50 employees up to 30,000, - EUR,
• up to 100 employees up to 60,000, - EUR

Responsible is the ILB, which Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg. It transfers the money to the account at short notice when the documents have arrived. The starting signal is expected on March 25, 2020, Applications can be submitted by commercial companies and self-employed members of the liberal professions (up to 100 employees) who have a business or workplace in the state of Brandenburg. Die full policy Will be played in the next few days on the ILB website published.

In addition to this measure, the Ministry of Economy already existing Consolidation and Site Assurance Program (“KoStA”) to provide liquidity assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in the short term topped up.

tax breaks

Lpending prepayments On request, income tax or corporation tax can reduced or adjusted without imposing too strict requirements to prove the requirements. Also a Deferral of due tax receivables is possible. In these cases, tax offices will Waive deferral interest. Those directly affected are also temporarily waived from enforcement measures. You can also Late payment charges waived become. The minister recommended that the companies concerned contact the responsible tax office to turn around.

Subsidies and loans

Instruments such as facilitating Short-time work allowance have already been decided at federal level. They should now at state level adjusted and where appropriate replenished to support companies and employees in Brandenburg.

that Ministry of Economy, Labour and Energy provides further budget resources for additional granting of loans ready to secure the liquidity of companies.

The Consolidation and Site Assurance Program (KoStA) is being adapted to current requirements and for almost all industries opened and replenished.

Companies that are acute in connection with the corona virus Business difficulties Guess, can from now on contact the Regional Center of Brandenburg Economic Development Agency (WFBB) turn around. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

bremen

financial aid

Die Development Bank for Bremen and Bremerhaven (BAB) has set up a task force. As a precautionary measure for relief measures during the coronavirus crisis, it has an additional Budget of 10 million provided and will be added here if necessary.

With loans Is the BAB able to meet liquidity needs. The conditions for guarantees have now been further improved to make it easier for companies to access cheap loans. Up to 1 million euros are available for working capital, even for freelancers and small business owners as Liquidity assistance available.

taxes

The finance department has implemented tax measures to reduce the burden. This includes: Reducing or suspending ongoing prepayments on income tax or corporation tax on application, interest-free deferral tax payments due, waiver of late payments and waiver of enforcement measures.

hamburg

About the Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank (IFB Hamburg) Are various loan-based Funding programs offered for corporate financing. Some funding can also be used for Bridging liquidity bottlenecks are used due to lost sales due to the corona virus. For small and medium-sized enterprises For example, the funding programs “Hamburg-Kredit Founding and Succession” and “Hamburg-Kredit Growth” are available here.

Die IFB Hamburg also provides State guarantees in order to secure both the financing of investments and the financial bridging of liquidity bottlenecks in cooperation with the house bank.

In cooperation with FHH, the Hamburg Guarantee Association offers guarantees on.

hessen

In order to be able to cushion the economic effects of the corona virus, the state government will primarily help small and medium-sized companies. About the WIBank Does Hesse offer companies in emergencies promotional loans on, too guarantees are possible.

promotional loans

This is how she offers Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank) offers various promotional loans on behalf of the state. This includes loans from Capital for Small Businesses Funding Program (KfK), which was specifically launched in 2010 to cushion the consequences of the economic and financial crisis. From this, small companies and freelancers with up to 25 employees and an annual turnover of 5 million euros can borrow between 25,000 and 150,000 euros , which are increased by at least 50 percent by the house bank. No usual bank collateral is required for this promotional loan.

In addition, SMEs with up to 250 employees and 50 million euros in turnover from the Hessen Start-Up and Growth Financing (GuW) funding program can use their house bank Working capital loans up to 1 million euros received.

guarantees

guarantees up to 1.25 million euros With a guarantee ratio of up to 80 percent, Bürgschaftsbank Hessen offers in cooperation with the state of Hesse.

This also includes Express guarantees for loans up to 300,000 euros, which are secured with a guarantee rate of 60 percent and issued particularly quickly if all criteria are met. In special cases, the state of Hesse provides state guarantees in excess of 1.25 million euros in order to secure both the financing of investments and the financial bridging of liquidity bottlenecks in cooperation with the house bank.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

In order to be able to help companies quickly and unbureaucratically, the Ministry of Economy has a 100 million euro aid package laced.

Special program for state guarantees

Applications are fast and priority iprocessed in a standardized process. The auditing firm PwC has increased its staff in the short term as the country's mandate. The average Processing time should be 1 to 2 weeks be shortened.

Higher loans are also guaranteed

By increasing its counterguarantee share, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is participating in the Doubling the guarantee volume The Bürgschaftsbank M-V for loans from house banks of 1.25 million euros to up to 2.5 million euros per individual case.

Quick guarantees up to 250,000 euros

Guarantees up to a loan volume of 250,000 euros for SMEs can be completed in a abbreviated and simplified procedures be decided by the guarantee bank without further committee participation.

Liquidity support for freelancers and SMEs

There is liquidity support for microenterprises and freelancers through repayable subsidies up to 20,000 euros, for operating expenses of SMES through repayable subsidies of up to 200,000 euros. The funds should be used in a simplified procedures through the Society for Labor Market and Structural Development (GSA) be enough.

Expedited payment of grants within one week

Expedited payout of already approved Investment grants (GRW) to subsidized companies in the commercial sector that Research and development grants for companies and private research institutions within a week upon receipt of the request for funding.

Lower Saxony

Die state government With a supplementary budget, a large Package of measures launched to combat the effects of the corona virus. 1.4 billion euros should are also made available to keep healthcare structures operational and efficient. In the same way, should emergency financial aid as well as compensation is paid to support the economy.

taxes

Finance Minister Reinhold Hilbers supports the nationwide Adjustments for deferral and enforcement measures for from the Taxes administered by state tax authorities as well as for the uncomplicated and rapid reduction of advance income, corporation and business tax payments: In these cases, for example, interest-free deferments can be agreed.

guarantees

The state of Lower Saxony and the Niedersächsische Bürgschaftsbank (NBB) are available to affected companies with guarantees. The country increases its guarantee framework to 3 billion euros. To ensure rapid assistance, the Process made more flexible and applied existing regulations pragmatically.

The NBB provides guarantees up to in the order of 2.5 million euros, of which up to 240,000 euros in an express procedure within a few days. State guarantees are also available.

Loans and funding

At the NBank Is there currently a credit program (up to 50,000 euros) for small and medium-sized enterprises prepared as a quick liquidity aid (applications can be submitted from 25.03.2020). The imposition of a larger liquidity loan (over 50,000 euros), which is expected to be provided in six weeks, is also being prepared. Both credit programs should directly through the NBank, without the involvement of a house bank.

So in distress microenterprises (less than 10 employees and less than 2 million euros in annual turnover) can be helped, a six-month state program in the form of a Subsidy funding of expected 100 million euros be set up as part of the supplementary budget. In addition to micro-enterprises, this liquidity subsidy should also benefit family businesses.The funding level is expected to 20,000 euros per company amounts that are granted as a one-time subsidy.

North Rhine Westphalia

On March 19, NRW Minister President Armin Laschet has a 25 billion euros bailout fund pledged for the country's economy. Selected measures of the aid package:

• Die state government will draw up a supplementary budget solely to deal with the pandemic and its consequences, including a special fund of around 25 billion euros.
• The Guarantee framework is massively increased — both for the state guarantee program and for the Bürgschaftsbank NRW, both in terms of amount and liability, as soon as the EU Commission allows this. The framework for state guarantees will be increased from 900 million euros to 5 billion euros. Applications for the granting of state guarantees are processed within one week. The warranty and counter-guarantee framework for Bürgschaftsbank NRW will be increased from 100 million euros to 1 billion euros. Die Guarantee ceiling is doubled to 2.5 million euros.
• The guarantee rate is increased from 80 percent to 90 percent increased as soon as the necessary European framework conditions come into force.
• Express guarantees up to 250,000 euros will be paid out to the guarantee bank within three days.
• Die NRW.Bank has already made the terms of their universal credit more attractive and now assumes up to 80 percent (instead of the previous 50 percent) of the risk from the first euro.
• In addition to the announced federal subsidy program, which is primarily used as Emergency aid for small businesses is urgently needed, the state government will be a perfect fit State funds with a grant-like character Provide where this is necessary due to special features in North Rhine-Westphalia. This requires close integration with the federal program in order to be able to help small entrepreneurs, solo self-employed people and cultural workers in particular in a targeted manner.

taxes

On request, the tax authorities are offering interest-free companies affected by the crisis Tax deferments (income, corporation and sales tax) and the Reduction of advance payments (income, corporation and business tax) and uses their discretionary powers in favour of taxpayers as far as possible. A highly simplified application form is available for this purpose at financialadministration.nrw.de

Various public financing offers are available to companies in North Rhine-Westphalia to bridge liquidity bottlenecks. This includes credits to bridge liquidity bottlenecks. You can through the Bürgschaftsbank NRW (up to 2.5 million euros) and the State guarantee program (from 2.5 million. euros, including large companies).

The guarantee bank enables a 72-hour express guarantee. Small companies and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to get out of the micromezzanine fund Equity capital of up to 75,000 euros to apply directly to the investment company. Collateral for this is provided by the company not to ask!

Rhineland-Palatinate

Guarantees and loans

About the ISB as well as the Bürgschaftsbank Rheinland-Pfalz stand Working capital loans as well as guarantees available. This allows companies to gain time, for example, to adjust supply chains or to bridge temporarily lower demand. In addition, the state government By general decree that Truck driving ban on Sundays up to and including April 26, 2020.

It will be a “Unternehmenshilfe Corona” Unit in Ministry of Economy set up. Companies can connect with their questions contact this office: Tel: 06131/16-5110, e-mail: unternehmenshilfe-corona@mwvlw.rlp.de.

For specific questions about financial economic promotion, in particular also Liquidity assistance (loans and guarantees), companies can contact the Investitions- und Strukturbank Rheinland-Pfalz (ISB) turn around.

taxes

Affected companies can adjust the Prepaymentsn, deferral of income taxes, Waiver of enforcement measures apply. Tax offices are instructed to use their discretion generously.

saarland

Am March 19 Has the Saarland state government announced that its Package of measures toward widen. With the Emergency aid and the guarantees Kicks the Saarland in advanceuntil the federal government launches its own programs. Should this be the case, the following applies Priority for federal subsidies, one Dual funding gonna precluded. All measures Should on Tuesday March 24 officially from the Saarland Council of Ministers Be decided. After that, all forms will also be available online. The regulations in detail:

taxes

In order to maintain liquidity in companies, tax offices can Tax hoursif the recovery represents significant hardship. This depends on the fulfilment of the requirements no strict requirements asked. On the collection of Deferral interest Can usually in these cases waives become. Can also Tax prepayments For example, in the case of income tax, corporation tax or business tax measurement amount, uncomplicated restated When profits or income plummet due to the corona pandemic.

In addition, those affected by the corona crisis no enforcement measures seized and no late payment charges were charged. In addition, the current exceptional situation due to the corona virus is also being affected in Pre-notification procedure, e.g. for advance sales tax returns, payroll tax returns or capital gains tax returns. Therefore, Requests for deadline extension approved approvingly to submit advance notifications.

Emergency aid for small business owners

Die Emergency small business aid is aimed at companies with up to ten employees subject to social security contributions and not more than 700,000 euros in turnover or 350,000 euros in balance sheet total. You can with a subvention Calculate between 3,000 and 10,000 euros.

Credit program

In the medium term, house banks' commitments can be made with loans from SIKB help companies to maintain liquidity within the company. The state government is therefore increasing the already announced loan program from ten million euros to 25 million euros.

10-point plan

Am March 12th Does Minister of Economic Affairs Anke Rehlinger have a 10-point plan presented for the Saarland economy. This includes Information and advice services for companies as well as quickly available Liquidity support and guarantees for companies with short-term corona related difficulties.

Die Government of Saarland ensures that every shape flexible working time arrangement is made possible, which is necessary to ensure that the population is supplied with the necessary goods and services at all times.

saxony

that Emergency aid loans to support sole proprietors (solo self-employed), microenterprises and freelancers In Saxony, whose annual turnover does not exceed one million euros, can from March 23 at the Saxon Development Bank (SAB) be applied for. This was decided by the cabinet on March 20. The details are explained by Ministry of Economy in Dresden:

With the immediate loan, the Free State is providing an interest-free, subordinated liquidity assistance loan of up to 50,000 euros, in justified exceptional cases up to 100,000 euros, with a term of up to ten years. The so-called government loan is made available free of repayments for the first three years. The advantage of the government loan is that the permit works without a house bank and the loan is therefore swiftly and flexibly can be given.

Who is eligible to apply? Recipients of funding are solo self-employed people and companies with a permanent establishment in the Free State of Saxony whose annual turnover does not exceed one million euros. These include in particular crafts, trade, service providers, the cultural and creative industries as well as economic members of the liberal professions.

Under which conditions can the grant be granted? The grant can be made if the applicant was economically healthy as of December 31, 2019 and predicts a decline in sales of at least 20 percent for the current financial year due to the effects of the corona crisis. Under normal economic conditions, repayment of the loan must be expected within the term of the loan. In addition, the loan may not be granted to reschedule existing working capital financing.

How much can I get the loan? The grant is granted as project funding through an interest-free subordinated loan of at least 5,000 euros and a maximum of 50,000 euros based on liquidity requirements (continuing operating expenses) for an initial period of four months. In justified exceptional cases, the loan can be increased to up to 100,000 euros. This may be the case if there is a higher need for liquidity after a period of four months. The loan is provided as a public loan from funds from the Free State of Saxony directly from SAB approved under private law and paid out in one tranche.

Where can you find the application forms and with whom can you apply for the Saxony loan? The application and payment is made via the Saxon Development Bank — Förderbank (SAB). Applications for funding must be submitted to the Sächsische Aufbaubank Förderbank, Pirnaische Straße 9, 01069 Dresden as the responsible granting authority. The applicant must submit the required self-declarations. SAB will provide the required forms electronically from Monday, March 23.

When and how does the repayment have to be made? The loan is interest-free for the entire term of ten years and repayments of up to 36 months. At the request of the company, after the expiry of the repayment period, SAB an individual repayment agreement is made. Special repayments are possible at any time. It is important that the loan is subordinated, i.e. cannot lead to or contribute to over-indebtedness.

I am already taking advantage of other compensation benefits, am I still entitled to the emergency aid loan? Claims for compensation benefits under the Infection Protection Act as well as insurance benefits for business interruptions/loss of operation are to be claimed as a matter of priority. Should a federal or European Union funding program with a similar objective come into force for funding recipients during the term of this program, these must be used as a matter of priority. For additional liquidity requirements, a grant may be granted under this Directive.

Express guarantees from BBS

For all Saxon companies, there are funding opportunities such as interest-subsidized Liquidity assistance loans, state guarantees and more to bridge liquidity difficulties. The contact person is Saxon Development Bank — Förderbank (SAB) available.

Even the tax authorities should accommodate affected companies. On request, ongoing Income tax prepayments and on corporate income tax reduced or suspended The Ministry of Finance announced. Tax payments due could be hours, Late payment charges could be waived. Also on enforcement measures Could temporarily waives Saxony's Finance Minister Hartmut Vorjohann said in MDR

Saxony-Anhalt

All companies should first contact their Hausbank turn around. Appropriate and common measures for temporary liquidity problems in the company include Extension of credit periods and repayment suspensions, to reduce liquidity outflow in the company. In a second step, companies and their house bank can also contact the Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt or the Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen-Anhalt.

With around 205 million euros, the Bürgschaftsbank and medium-sized holding company Saxony-Anhalt, loans totalling around 390 million are secured.

Tax assistance offers Has that Ministry of Finance already announced: On request, current advance payments for income tax or corporation tax will be reduced or suspended, tax payments will be deferred interest-free, late payments waived and enforcement measures will be waived until the end of the year.

Schleswig-Holstein

Die state government As a first step, has organized immediate aid, in particular for Small and medium businesses. In addition interest-free tax deferments Through the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, together with the promotional banks, has credit offers reoriented to the current needs of companies. Die Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH), the Bürgschaftsbank And the Medium-sized investment company have reoriented their offerings to the current needs of companies in order to facilitate access to financing. In particular, the loan program “IB.SH Mittelstandskredit” is the central offer for companies in liquidity difficulties. The framework guaranteed by the state was doubled from five to ten million euros.

Finance Minister Monika Heinold has tax measures announced to relieve affected companies.

thuringia

Finance Minister Heike Taubert pledges financial aid for companies affected by the corona crisis. There is a extended guarantee program for all Thuringian entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises As well as freelancers, receive support in the current difficult situation. Guarantee risks and economic aid are financially secured by the state.

Tax offices in Thuringia are also required to implement tax liquidity assistance quickly and unbureaucratically. So can Taxes deferred become Tax prepayments adjusted and Enforcement measures suspended become. The Minister of Finance calls on entrepreneurs in difficulty to contact their professional representatives And the Thüringer Aufbaubank to turn around: “From freelance musicians to exhibition builders, craftsmen or suppliers, no affected entrepreneur is left alone.”

You can find out the appropriate funding programs for your federal state here -> https://www.foerderdatenbank.de/FDB/DE/Home/home.html

Industry-specific solutions

Our large, cross-sector customer base allows us to work closely with companies that have just been hit hard by the crisis. For the catering and fitness sectors, you can find solutions from our previous customers here:

Corona crisis measures in the catering industry

Corona crisis measures for gyms

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