Berlin’s bars come under 11pm curfew

♦ Germany’s capital decided yesterday to impose a late-night curfew on restaurants and bars to contain surging numbers of new Covid cases in Berlin.

City mayor Michael Mueller said experts had pointed to two problem areas: large groups of people who were not sticking to social distancing rules and gatherings in closed rooms.

“The advice showed we have to act quickly,” Mr Mueller said, adding that action was needed to avoid a full lockdown in the capital.

From this weekend until the end of October, restaurants and bars will have to close at 11pm until 6 am. In addition, a maximum of 10 people can attend private indoor parties.