Merkel’s govt agrees law on curfews, tougher curbs
Berlin, Germany - The German government agreed on Tuesday on controversial changes to a national infections control law, handing Berlin more power to impose tougher measures such as night-time curfews to halt the raging coronavirus pandemic.
The adjusted law, which still needs to be approved by parliament, would allow Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government to impose curfews from 9.00pm to 5.00am and close schools and businesses in areas with high infection rates.
Private gatherings and sports will also be subject to tighter restrictions as Germany remains gripped by a dangerous third wave of the pandemic which is putting increased strain on the country’s health system.
The move aims to end a political tug-of-war between the federal government and powerful regions over coronavirus measures, with manoeuvring ahead of September elections adding to the tensions.
Currently restrictions are decided on in consultation with Berlin and - in theory - implemented by the federal states.
Yet in many cases, regional leaders have failed to put in place shutdown measures which they agreed with Merkel, with some even allowing shops and cinemas to reopen.
Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert said on Monday that the aim of the new law was to apply ‘uniform national’ rules.
Bitter disputes
Regular meetings between Berlin and the regions to set Germany's coronavirus policies have been marked by bitter disputes and spotty compliance in recent weeks.
Most notably, some states have not followed through on an agreement to row back on the easing of measures in areas where the seven-day incidence rate exceeds 100 new infections per 100,000 people.
Only one out of Germany’s 16 states was reporting an incidence rate below 100 on Tuesday.
The adjusted law agreed by Cabinet on Tuesday would give Berlin the power to enforce this ‘emergency brake’.
In hard-hit areas, curfews will be imposed between 9.00pm and 5.00am, with exceptions for medical emergencies and those leaving their home for professional reasons.
Non-essential shops and cultural venues will have to remain closed, while private gatherings will be allowed only between a single household and one other person.
The law would also see Berlin force schools - usually strictly within the remit of the federal states - to revert to virtual teaching if the seven-day incidence rate exceeds 200 cases per 100,000 people.