Germany to go under hard lockdown over Christmas

Germany will go under hard lockdown over the Christmas period. This move comes in the wake of rising infections due to Coronavirus, which as per the records, has reached record levels.

As per the latest news reports, the new lockdown will come into effect from December 16, and will remain in place till December 26. Reports also state that all non-essential shops will remain close from Wednesday, as well as the schools.

Chancellor Angela Merkel blamed Christmas shopping for the current situation, and leading to a ‘considerable’ rise in social contacts.

Mrs Merkel announced the move after meeting leaders of the country's 16 states, and stated that there was ‘an urgent need to take action’.

As per the lockdown rules, a maximum of five people from no more than two households will be allowed to gather in a home. This rule will, however, be relaxed from December 24 to 26 when one household will be allowed to invite a maximum of four close family members from other households.

Bars, leisure centres, and restaurants are also closed, whereas some areas of the country had imposed their own lockdowns.

Under the national lockdown, banks as well as essential shops will be allowed to stay open. Shops selling Christmas trees will be allowed to continue trading.

Germany had been relatively successful in tackling the pandemic situation as compared to its European counterparts. Further, on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, there will be a nationwide ban on gatherings. A general ban has also been imposed on the sale of fireworks this year. Reportedly, local governments will also go ahead to ban fireworks in certain public places.