Far-reaching measures have been imposed in Germany in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Now these are loosened more and more. The news in the ticker.
- In Germany , numerous countries have relaxed the Corona * measures - but the crisis is ongoing.
- Chancellor Angela Merkel will answer questions from members of the Bundestag on Wednesday (May 13)
- Interior Minister Horst Seehofer already informed about possible border openings.
- Here you will find the basic facts about the coronavirus *. You can also see the current number of cases in Germany as a map *. The most important thing about the topic is also available on our brand new Facebook page Corona News.
Update 7.30 p.m .: The border controls are loosened again. However, numerous restrictions remain due to the ongoing corona crisis - also in the Bundestag. However, the AfD does not want to adhere to some corona restrictions.
Corona: Merkel lets Germany's borders open again - and sets the time
Update 12.47 p.m .: The press conference of Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) is over. Towards the end, Seehofer praised the good teamwork in the federal cabinet. The central coordination factor is, of course, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU). Merkel had previously declared the border issue to be a boss thing and had phoned French President Emmanuel Macron and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. The Interior Minister does not seem to feel degraded by this. Rather, he had enjoyed the teamwork very much in the past weeks. He has been in politics for a long time, emphasizes Seehofer. He very much appreciates the good cooperation in the coronavirus pandemic .
Update 11.33 a.m .: Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer (CSU) starts his press conference on the opening of the German borders with the internal border controls - but also wants to come to Europe from third countries.
With Switzerland, France and Austria, Germany had border controls that should have expired on May 16, were extended until June 15 in consultation . At these borders, however, checks are only to be carried out on a random basis from Saturday 16 May. According to the Interior Ministry, the relief is a result of the positive development of the infection process.
He does not expect this, but the opening of the border on June 15 required "that we continue to be determined in terms of infection," said Seehofer. A second wave would have to react again at the borders. However, if the number of new infections in neighboring regions increases sharply, they will be checked again more intensively. The guideline applicable in Germany of more than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants offers orientation in seven days.
Angela Merkel also spoke on another topic in the Bundestag. A hacker attack on the Bundestag is still not fully cleared up - but Russia appears to have been involved. The Chancellor is shocked.
German borders: First easing from Saturday - No more quarantine for incoming travelers from neighboring countries
Previously, a 14-day quarantine ordered by the federal states also applied to anyone who comes to Germany. In future, this will only apply to people who have previously been to third countries . For example, no longer for Germans arriving from France or the Netherlands. However, the decision about the quarantine rests with the heads of government of the countries.
The border controls for Luxembourg expire on May 15th. Similar things can also be imagined for Denmark, says Seehofer. This is delayed, however, because Denmark pleads for a kind of legislative package involving other countries. Furthermore, from now on you only want to check on a random basis.
So far, only commuters or people with good cause have been allowed to cross the border. However, as soon as social life becomes more dense, "and I hope so, and I am assuming that," said Seehofer, the random checks should also be specified. So that a coach with schoolchildren would not be checked and could cross the border without any problems.
Coronavirus: These European borders could reopen from June 15th
"It is in the highest sense in the European spirit if neighboring countries coordinate their measures in the face of the pandemic," Seehofer quotes the French neighbors. He is therefore glad that a common strategy could already be agreed with four countries.
Austria and Switzerland apparently want to continue to control the borders with Italy . The countries justify this with the country's high infection rate. "It was therefore important to us that we coordinate closely with both countries," said Seehofer. For the time being, this easing of controls only affects the countries mentioned.
On Wednesday, the EU Commission also wanted to present a plan for the cautious opening of internal borders in Europe. According to a draft from dpa, the controls are to be gradually phased out across Europe. Seehofer followed the Commission's recommendation to extend the restrictions on entry from third countries into the EU until June 15.
At the press conference, Seehofer was also asked about the scandal involving an employee of the Ministry of the Interior. He had described the virus under the official letterhead as a "global false alarm".
Coronavirus: border loosening from Saturday
Update 11:18: As of Saturday, controls at the German borders should be relaxed again. The Federal Government decided on Wednesday morning. Crossing the border from Luxembourg in particular will be made easier, the German press agency learned on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting in Berlin.
According to the information, the Federal Ministry of the Interior under Horst Seehofer (CSU) is only aiming for a complete end to the controls introduced at all border sections due to the corona pandemic by June 15.
In the past few days, Seehofer had discussed with his counterparts in the neighboring countries and with the prime ministers of the border federal states about the details of a gradual return from stationary controls to normal border surveillance in the 30-kilometer range.
The controls at the borders with Denmark, Luxembourg, France, Austria and Switzerland, were announced on March 15, and was introduced to a day to the infection process in Germany curb. Since then, only those who can give a "valid reason" for this can enter the country.
Corona measures: German borders should be carefully opened from Saturday
Update 11.10 a.m .: The checks at the German border should be relaxed carefully from this Saturday. As the German Press Agency learned on Wednesday after the cabinet meeting in Berlin, the Federal Ministry of the Interior is only aiming for a complete end to the controls introduced at all border sections due to the corona pandemic on June 15 .
Update 10:56: The Saarland Prime Minister Tobias Hans (CDU) has emphatically called for the rapid opening of the German borders and the waiver of permanent border controls. "We must now return to a normal Schengen normality of the open internal borders as soon as possible," said Hans in a government statement on Wednesday before the Saarland state parliament. This means not only "restoring freedom of travel without quarantine", but also a more coordinated approach to tracking infection chains for future waves of the corona pandemic. "I am sure that we will be able to avoid permanent border controls in the future."
Coronavirus: Cabinet advises on border opening - press conference announced by Interior Minister Seehofer
Update 9.55 a.m .: Two months after the German government, in consultation with the federal states and European neighbors, closed the German borders , the Federal Cabinet is advising on the gradual opening.With the exception of exceptions, such as those that could not be postponed for professional reasons or an operation that was essential for survival, nobody could leave Germany for weeks. Only a few weeks ago, controls for family members and partners were relaxed.
On March 15, controls at the German borders were announced as part of the measures against the coronavirus pandemic. Today, Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) could explain when they should be fully opened again.
There had previously been conflicts. The Interior Minister wanted to hold on to the controls for the time being. After a phone call with Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), however, it became known that the Austrian border would be fully opened on June 15. This allows speculation for a corresponding cabinet decision on Wednesday.
Coronavirus: Austrian border to open again on June 15th
Update from May 13, 7:02 a.m .: Apparently, the border between Germany and Austria should be fully opened again on June 15. According to information from the Austrian news agency APA, checks will only be carried out at the borders starting this Friday, the Chancellery in Vienna confirmed on Wednesday of the APA.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) had called Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) on Tuesday . The Federal Government wants to discuss further steps at its meeting this Wednesday.
Austria's Chancellor Kurz had already said on Tuesday evening on Swiss television's "10vor10" that he was expecting a border opening in June. As the Federal Chancellery in Vienna also announced, Austria is also striving to liberalize the border regime with its other neighboring countries.
Corona measures: leaked date when the border was opened? Merkel is on the phone with Macron and Kurz
Update from May 12, 9:44 pm : The signs for an early border opening are taking shape . According to the picture , Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) telephoned both French President Emmanuel Macron and Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to discuss the border issue.
According to the report, a complete border opening is planned for June 15 . A step-by-step plan should apply beforehand, for example with a view of France, that Merkel's view is not yet far enough for a complete border opening. It got through from a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
The step-by-step plan coincides with a proposal from the EU Commission , which is to be presented on Wednesday. According to the picture, there is a draft in which states with similar numbers of infections are supposed to open the borders.
Coronavirus: Laschet wants the border to be closed quickly
Update of May 12, 8:36 p.m .: North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Armin Laschet (CDU) wants a quick end to the border closure . "It hurts my soul when I see that the barriers in Europe are down again," he told the Süddeutsche Zeitung (Wednesday). "That is why we should end the border closure this week and restore Europe," said Laschet.
"We are in close contact with our neighbors in Belgium and the Netherlands in North Rhine-Westphalia in order to fight the pandemic together and to enable cross-border tourism again in the future," said Laschet, who is also CDU federal vice-president. In the light of the number of infections, it must be decided in a European manner whether tourist trips can take place again. "We quickly need a solution for the border with France and Luxembourg in order to restore the open borders in the Schengen area." The quarantine rules should be limited to trips outside Europe as soon as possible. It is important to her that the controls should not continue "until the end of the day", Merkel was quoted as saying.
Merkel gives hope for border opening
Update from May 12, 6:05 p.m .: Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) gave hope in the corona crisis that the borders with neighboring countries would gradually open up . Changes in border controls should always be made in cooperation with the neighbors, said Merkel on Tuesday, according to information from the German press agency from participants, in a virtual meeting of the Union faction in the Bundestag. There will often be a two-step process.
Lindner demands that the borders be opened as quickly as possible
Update from May 12, 5:27 p.m .: According to the FDP party and parliamentary group leader Christian Lindner, Germany must open the borders to its neighboring countries as soon as possible . "The infection is no longer a reason for these border closures," said Lindner in Berlin on Tuesday. He accused Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) of being " stubborn " on this issue - this was not a contribution to international understanding. "If there is willingness to open up on the other side of the border, then there should no longer be a blockade on the German side." This also applies to the unnecessary quarantine requirement for travelers from other European countries.
Lindner announced that his parliamentary group would not approve the second law to protect the population in an epidemic situation this week in the Bundestag . The FDP still supported the urgent procedure for the first law. The second law gives new ordinance authorizations, which the FDP wants to discuss longer. In addition, there are data protection concerns on some points, which may justify the law being unconstitutional. "Therefore, from our point of view, such a hasty procedure is not advisable, we should take more time," said Lindner.
NRW and Saarland want to suspend quarantine obligations for returnees
Update of May 12, 4:50 p.m .: North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Armin Laschet (CDU) has promised to suspend the quarantine obligation for returnees from abroad for his state. Laschet referred on Tuesday to a court ruling that overridden the 14-day quarantine obligation in neighboring Lower Saxony. North Rhine-Westphalia also "intends to immediately suspend this quarantine regulation," said Laschet.
The regulation does not contribute to health protection and is " hostile to Europe, " said Laschet. "We'll discuss that nationwide."
Due to the corona pandemic, almost all travelers who came to Germany from abroad had to quarantine for 14 days. Exceptions apply to commuters in border regions.
The Lower Saxon Higher Administrative Court (OVG) in Lüneburg overruled the regulation for Lower Saxony on Monday evening: His reason: The worldwide corona case numbers no longer allowed to oblige immigrants to quarantine.
Also Saarland Prime Minister Tobias Hans (CDU) wants to initially suspend the quarantine measures.
In Bremen, restaurants and pubs will be open from Monday
Update from May 12, 4:28 p.m .: In addition to restaurants, Bremen will also be able to reopen pubs under strict conditions from next Monday. The Senate decided to relax the corona restrictions on Tuesday . In particular, a minimum distance of one and a half meters between the guests must be observed. Every visit including contact details must also be documented.
The regulation therefore applies to restaurants and pubs, but not to discos, bars, clubs or arcades . The relevant license is decisive, according to the economic authority. In the case of pubs, however, operation at counters is also prohibited.
At the same time, the sales area in Bremen is limited to 800 square meters in retail stores. Alternatively, a rule applies from Monday, according to which a customer is allowed on ten square meters.
The number of infected people in Coesfeld is increasing
Update from May 12, 4:12 p.m .: After the corona outbreak in a meat factory in Coesfeld in Westphalia , the number of workers who tested positive for the virus rose to 260 . As of Tuesday afternoon, 1012 of the approximately 1200 employees of the Westfleisch company had been tested, 571 with a negative result, as the district of Coesfeld announced at noon at the request of the German Press Agency. The district had reported 254 infected on Monday. Corona infections have recently increased in German slaughterhouses.
Demonstrations in Thuringia without limit of participants possible
Update from May 12, 2:12 p.m .: Demonstrations in Thuringia should again be possible from Wednesday without restrictions on the number of participants. This provides for a regulation that the cabinet has agreed on, as the Ministry of Health in Erfurt announced.
Coronavirus: Merkel calls for continued caution towards citizens
Update from May 11, 3:08 pm: Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) steps into the microphone after her video conference with the health department of the Harz district and thanks all health authorities in Germany. The public health service had played a central role in combating the pandemic. "Committed people work there - they will do this job," said Merkel. Where reinforcements were necessary, they would be given together with the countries. The Bundeswehr is also ready to provide support.
The health service will "decide whether we can really understand all contacts in newly infected people". It is "crucial" that the health authorities work well - "they do," says Merkel.
The Chancellor then emphasized that a "new phase of the pandemic" was being entered, with loosening of the requirements - but that the corona protective measures , the distance and hygiene rules, had to be observed. It is very important to be considerate of each other. With this appeal, Merkel ends her statement from the Chancellery, which lasts only a few minutes.
Update from 3:05 p.m .: The press conference with Chancellor Merkel was announced for 3 p.m. - but there is still waiting.
Update from 2:44 p.m .: Chancellor Angela Merkel will make a statement in the Chancellery after her video conference with the health department of the Harz district .
Corona crisis: Merkel once again warns of caution
Update, 1.30 p.m .: Chancellor Angela Merkel has again warned against caution when dealing with the pandemic in view of the demonstrations against conditions in the Corona crisis . She had been told that many people had been shopping without protective masks at the weekend, according to information from the German press agency in a group of participants in a video section of the CDU Presidium. In part, this behavior was even seen as a test of courage, the Chancellor criticized . But the command is still to adhere to the applicable distance rules.
Merkel went on to say that only in two to three weeks would it be known how the easing of the corona restrictions decided last week had an impact on the infection numbers. She had also announced that next Wednesday (May 13) in the Bundestag in the government survey again to comment on the measures relevant for the federal government to classify the pandemic. Merkel and the federal government had recently been accused of causing confusion with different key figures.
According to this information, Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) emphasized that Germany had been so successful in dealing with the pandemic because the citizens had adhered to the restrictions. He urged people to continue to comply with hygiene standards.
Corona virus in Germany: infections in slaughterhouses and corona demos are an issue
01.01 p.m .: The federal press conference is now over.
12.57 p.m .: Now it is a question of the demos * against the Corona measures from the weekend. "Of course they are allowed within the framework of our laws," says Seibert - but if the distance rules were not observed, it would be "worrying", he explains. "If you attack police officers or journalists, I cannot invoke freedom of assembly, but attack our democracy," said Seibert.
12.51 p.m .: The R-factor * is only an orientation point for the corona loosening . The "emergency brake" * has already been exceeded as a further brand in several counties. Does another lockdown have to be considered? Is asked. Seibert replies that the indicator of 50 infections per 100,000 people in a district within seven days "should not serve to assign blame to the counties", but that the focus could be on how the municipalities react with measures.
PK of Merkel's Corona cabinet: Seibert rejects allegations of slaughterhouses
Update from 12.45 p.m .: What can be learned from the rapid spread of the corona virus among refugees in the mass accommodations for slaughterhouses? What does the federal government say about the allegation that they will accept the death of these employees? A journalist wants to know. "I strongly reject the accusation," answers Seibert.
Update, 12:23 pm: Government spokesman Steffen Seibert now speaks at the federal press conference for advice in the Corona cabinet.
Berlin - Almost everywhere in Germany , the corona restrictions loosened. Meetings with members of another household, shopping in large stores, more outdoor sports and in some places even visiting restaurants are now allowed again. However, normality does not return yet: Strict distance and hygiene rules remain - as does the constant view of the number of infections *. The recent increase in the infection rate (R factor) from 0.65 to 1.13 within a few days may play a role in the way forward.
Corona virus in Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel advises with Corona cabinet - video statement expected
The bodies of several federal parties will meet in Berlin on Monday (May 11th) to discuss how to proceed and the current situation in Germany. The CDU leadership advises from 9 a.m. In the video conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the further narrowest leadership circles of the CDU , it would probably go to the actual infection numbers.
There were also numerous discussions about the corona emergency brakes recently decided by Angela Merkel: From 50 new corona infections per 100,000 inhabitants, action must be taken. This could also be discussed again at the video summit . Some counties had already exceeded this limit .
Statement by Angela Merkel on the corona situation - numerous demos against measures
Demonstrations against the current Corona measures also caused a stir nationwide at the weekend. In numerous federal states , people took to the streets to protest the regulations - some without mouth and nose protection * and without a sufficient safety distance . Various politicians have already commented on the anti-measures demos .
Video: easing and emergency brake: Angela Merkel recently announced these measures
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These questions are interesting to many people in Germany at the moment: Will a Pentecost vacation during the pandemic * or summer vacation in Corona times * be possible at all? And if so - which countries open their borders to tourists?
* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
It is the first government survey in 2020 for Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) - the topic, of course, is the corona crisis.
List of rubric lists: © dpa / Oliver Dietze