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It won't be that wild and tight at the Christmas service: fans in the stadium in Hanover (at the meeting between Hanover 96 and Eintracht Braunschweig on November 8, 2013)
Photo: Peter Steffen / dpa
Amen instead of relegation battle, blessings instead of penalties: a Catholic priest in Hanover is planning to celebrate the Christmas service with up to 2000 believers in the football stadium.
Because major events in churches are problematic due to the corona restrictions, Heinrich Plochg wants to move from the St. Joseph community to the Hannover 96 stadium.
That reports the "Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung".
"We can of course only do that if the health department gives the green light and the infection situation allows it," said Plochg, according to the report.
Not at least trying would mean standing still, the priest continued.
The lease has already been signed.
The community's hygiene concept therefore stipulates that professional stewards place up to 2000 visitors on the west stand.
Only every third row should be occupied.
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According to an initial assessment by the Ministry of Health in Hanover, such an event would be possible according to the state's current Corona regulation.
It stipulates that the practice of religion is permitted regardless of the number of people taking part, if it is ensured that measures are taken based on a hygiene concept.
The currently applicable restrictions due to the partial lockdown are initially limited to November 30th.
It is still unclear which regulations will apply at Christmas.
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him / dpa