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Christmas tree in front of the Brandenburg Gate: In Berlin, Christmas can only be celebrated in small groups
Photo: Christophe Gateau / dpa
Christmas will probably be less social in Berlin than in the rest of Germany.
The contact restrictions for private get-togethers, which will apply from December 1, will remain in place in Berlin over the festive period, said Berlin's Governing Mayor Michael Müller (SPD) after a special session of the Senate.
The countries actually agreed on Wednesday evening to significantly relax the rules over Christmas and New Year's Eve.
From December 1st, gatherings in most regions of Germany are limited to five people from a maximum of two households, with the exception of children up to 14 years of age.
From December 23rd, the limit will be reduced to a maximum of ten people from unlimited households.
In Berlin, however, the upper limit of five people is to remain in place over Christmas, only the limit to two households will be relaxed.
According to Müller, Berlin also wants to take a separate path when it comes to the age limit for children.
Only up to the age of twelve, children should not be counted at meetings, said Müller.
This would be a continuation of the existing regulations in Berlin.
According to the mayor, the regulations still have to be finalized in the coming week.
It was an "effort," said Müller.
The high number of infections in the capital cannot be discussed away.
Mask requirement is expanded
The mask requirement on the street is also being expanded in Berlin.
In future, it will apply to practically all streets where there are many shops and thus encounters and contacts, said Müller.
Müller did not give any details, he spoke of the busier streets.
It is already mandatory to wear mouth and nose protection on 35 streets and squares in Berlin.
Following the decision of the previous day, the partial shutdown in Berlin that applies at the beginning of November will be extended to December 22nd.
Among other things, restaurants and numerous cultural and leisure facilities such as museums, theaters and swimming pools will remain closed.
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fek / dpa