Read the video transcript here
The Advent season is approaching and many people long for a relaxed stroll through the Christmas market.
It is currently unclear whether this will be possible this year.
And if so, under what conditions?
The showmen in Berlin signal: We are prepared!
Michael Roden, Chairman of the Showmen Association Berlin:
“We've proven we can. In our gastronomy like here in the Hirschstube on Breitscheidplatz, we will then do 2G. We have already pushed that through a bit. And basically we have the experience here that many people really only visit such interiors with 2G. "
The corona rules differ greatly in the federal states.
In many places, 2G is supposed to save the Christmas markets.
In Berlin, the operators can decide whether the entire market is only accessible to vaccinated and convalescent people.
If, on the other hand, 3G is used, there are more requirements and the mask becomes mandatory.
Michael Roden, Chairman of the Showmen Association Berlin:
»So basically for our health, as you can see right now, I think working with 2G is fundamentally better, as for the employees, as for the owners and also for the population. The situation is, of course, that not all are vaccinated. How do you get them all under one roof? I think that's 3G out here with us, so that people can also move outside, with mask compulsory. We have big signs. Outside we have another plan, the Luca app is on it again. We have a security service who will point this out again. And if it's like that in the composite outside with a mask, inside without 2G, then I think it's a bit of a mixture. And so you can also stay here on Breitscheidplatz. "
But showmen and visitors have to be prepared for the fact that the rules will be tightened again in the coming weeks. The Robert Koch Institute had already advised at the beginning of November to avoid larger events and reduce contacts. On the other hand, there is the economic interest of the showmen. For many, it's about existence.
Michael Roden, Chairman of the Showmen Association Berlin:
»The Christmas market in particular is one of the biggest events that we have here in the season and the most important one for all of us. And we are all pretty much on the ropes and of course we have paid a lot of money in advance with the last money we scraped together. Whether it's place fees or the goods that you have to buy. And if there should be another lockdown, I think there will be a lot of people who can no longer make it. And then there are a lot of bankruptcies. "
At their joint conference on Thursday, the federal and state governments will most likely also talk about the Christmas markets.
Then it should also be a question of what help showmen can count on in the event of the Christmas markets being canceled.
The bridging allowances expire as planned at the end of the year.
On Tuesday, it became clear that the industry's fears are not unfounded: Munich canceled the traditional Christmas market.
Reason: The situation in the clinics leaves the mayor no other choice.
