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There isn't much going on on Rostock's streets these days - as is actually everywhere in Germany.
And yet the Hanseatic city has a lot ahead of other cities when it comes to Corona.
The so-called 7-day incidence in Rostock is currently 47.4 per 100,000 inhabitants - and thus below the limit of 50.
Citizens have their own theories as to why the infection rates are so low.
“I think primarily of the north German mentality. We are not like the hugs and kissers like in the southern climes. "
"I could imagine that this is also because it is a student city and a lot of young people live here."
"I think people are relatively disciplined."
Theory or not.
A look at the numbers shows:
As a city, Rostock does best in a nationwide comparison.
Between August 30, 2020 and January 25, 2021, the average incidence in the Hanseatic city was 26.6.
In the town hall people are happy about the low corona numbers.
The independent mayor went his own way early on.
Claus Ruhe Madsen, Lord Mayor of Rostock
“In fact, we said very early in the pandemic that we would close all schools, daycare centers. We're canceling a big concert with 5,000 people. There was no state or federal regulation. We just decided that we would do it now. In autumn, when there were again requirements that no alcohol in public spaces, we immediately prohibited mulled wine stalls in the city. Then I think that at the end of the day you can explain that. We introduced compulsory masks early on in large parts of the city and actually checked them very consistently. "
In addition, the native Dane had police and rescue workers tested en masse with the help of a local biotech company right at the beginning of the pandemic.
The group assumed the costs for the tests.
The state government criticized going it alone and at times even spoke of corruption.
But Madsen is not deterred by the criticism.
If it were up to him, restaurants and shops would soon reopen and Rostock would become a pilot city.
Claus Ruhe Madsen, Lord Mayor of Rostock
“First, we should take up the hygiene concepts that we already had. I am convinced they worked very well. Neither in retail nor in the catering industry do we have any data that there has been a high level of infection. Second, we need to have a stronger test strategy and test employees who work in retail more often. To give security to employees but also to customers. You just have to have a good concept. "
But Madsen's approaches to solutions do not help everyone.
Inga Wulf actually runs a small bistro in Rostock, which has been closed since the nationwide lockdown.
Now she helps out at a market stall.
Inga Wulf, self-employed cook
“For example, my kitchen is so small, even with a good hygiene concept I can receive five people there, but that's not enough. I can't open up for that. I need at least 25 to 30 lunchtime guests so that my kitchen is sustainable and then my kitchen is sustainable. But I haven't made a living for myself yet. Then it's nice that I could open it, but it won't help me at all. It's just kind of weird. "
Inga Wulf, self-employed cook
“I can't say how long I can hold out. I don't think so for a long time. "
Many of the Rostockers support the shutdown measures and adhere to the rules.
“Of course you miss something. But overall there is no other way. "
“I don't know if the youngster can go along with it for so long. We Ollen take it easy. But it will be difficult. "
"I have the feeling that a lot of people are slowly getting tired of the measures and are slowly becoming unreasonable and meeting and celebrating with people."
“It's so irresponsible what they're doing. I come from a generation, I went through the war and the displacement. I know what restrictions are. "
Nursing home residents in particular have to cope with restrictions these days.
135 people currently live in the Warnowschlösschen senior citizens' residence.
The average age is 80 years.
To protect the residents, Anne Micheel has taken precautions.
Anne Micheel, facility manager
»We have initiated the fact that everyone naturally wears an FFP2 mask for nursing care in normal everyday life without corona infection. The residents should, if possible, stay in their own living area and not mix with other residents of the other living areas. You should of course also keep the minimum distance, which is of course very, very difficult, especially for residents with dementia. "
In order to test not only female employees but also relatives, the senior citizens' residence set up a test station.
Despite all the security measures, an outbreak occurred in late December.
Three residents and three nurses became infected.
It's a lonely time for the residents.
Many currently only have contact with the nursing staff.
Visiting time is limited to one hour.
Eva Spörke, resident
“My children, my daughter-in-law and my son, are usually there every weekend because they are still working. During the week they cannot. But now there was a lock with visitors. But they were already here and had to be tested at the front entrance and then allowed in. But only one - my son. My daughter-in-law is not allowed. That makes me a little sad too. But the situation is like this. I think we have to go through it! "
So that the incidence value in Rostock remains low, the motto is still: hold on.
Claus Ruhe Madsen, Lord Mayor of Rostock
“But what really matters is how many people don't survive in the end. And if we manage to have a very low number by the end of the pandemic, then I'll be the happiest mayor of Germany. "