| What are the rules for day care centres? |
From 17 May, Kitas will return to regular operation, which means that all children will once again be offered childcare. Otherwise, emergency care will apply in Kitas, which parents who work in care-relevant professions, are single parents or if there are urgent educational reasons for the children may use. Furthermore, children who have a cough or cold will no longer be cared for in Kitas, i.e. they must stay at home. This does not apply if there is a daily negative test. For working parents who have to look after their children (under 12 years of age) at home due to daycare and school closures, there is the so-called children's sick pay. Currently (after decision of the federal cabinet) each parent receives 30 days per child and single parents 60 days per child. In this case, the health insurance company takes over part of the loss of wages, since the employer does not have to pay the wages for these days. However, the reimbursement amount is not equal to the full net wage, but is lower. |
| What rules apply to primary schools? |
Elementary schools are in alternate instruction, half class size. At a 7-day incidence of 100 and above, alternate instruction is mandatory; at a value of 165 and above, only distance instruction is permitted. Compulsory attendance remains suspended. Mandatory masks, spacing and hygiene rules must be followed. Pupils and teachers undergo compulsory testing 2x a week under supervision in schools. Emergency care will be made available in schools/ after-school programs for single parents and parents in system-related jobs. For working parents who have to care for their children (under 12) at home due to daycare and school closures, there is the so-called children's sick pay. For children with disabilities, the age restriction does not apply. Currently (according to the decision of the federal cabinet) each parent receives 30 days per child and single parents 60 days per child. In this case, the health insurance fund takes over part of the loss of wages, since the employer does not have to pay the wages for these days. However, the reimbursement amount is not equal to the full net wage, but is lower. |
| What rules apply to secondary schools? |
All classes are in alternate instruction at half class size. From a 7-day incidence of 100, alternating instruction is mandatory, and from a value of 165, only distance instruction is permitted. The only exceptions are for exams. Here, too, there is to be face-to-face teaching with a maximum of half classes. Pupils and teachers will have to undergo compulsory testing for face-to-face teaching, twice a week under supervision in schools. The attendance requirement remains suspended. Mask obligation, distance and hygiene rules must be kept. Furthermore, schools have to offer socially disadvantaged pupils additional support and assistance. The same regulations apply to vocational schools as to other schools. |
| What rules apply to educational institutions? |
In adult education centres and other institutions of general adult education, as well as in music schools, youth art schools, youth traffic schools, gardening schools and independent institutions within the meaning of the School Act, no face-to-face teaching may take place |
| What rules apply to universities & universities of applied sciences? |
Since the beginning of December, face-to-face lectures have been suspended; the upcoming summer semester will be held predominantly in digital form. For further information on face-to-face seminars (e.g. for exams and written examinations) and digital lectures, please contact your university/college. |
| What are the rules for visiting the doctor? |
There are no restrictions on visits to the doctor. Preventive medical checkups are still recommended. Expectant mothers may be accompanied to the birth by one person. |
| What rules apply in contact with people? |
Meetings of up to 5 people from 2 households are allowed. If the 7-day incidence rises above 100, only one household may meet with a single person. Children under 14 years of age are excluded from this rule. Fully vaccinated and recovered persons are not counted. There is no curfew, but people should only leave their homes for valid reasons, e.g. doctor's appointments, going to school/daycare, shopping. From a 7-day incidence above 100, one is only allowed to be outside between 10pm and 5am (curfew) with a valid reason. Sports alone are allowed until midnight. Mouth-to-nose protection (FFP-2 or surgical mask) must be worn in all publicly accessible areas. Masks are also mandatory outdoors in high-traffic areas. Customers need an appointment booking, FFP-2 mask and a daily negative Coronatest then the following shops, with hygiene concepts, are allowed to open for a limited number of people: Hairdressers, bookstores, florists, retail stores, hardware stores, and the like. Body-related services should be allowed under restrictions. But a 7-day incidence of 150 is only click-and-collect allowed in retail. |
| What rules apply to sporting activities? |
Individual or non-contact sports are permitted outdoors alone or with up to a maximum of 5 people from two households. Children are allowed to meet for sports in a maximum group size of 20. If the incidence is less than 50, up to 10 people may meet for non-contact outdoor sports. |
| What rules apply to cultural events? |
Playgrounds are open, hygiene and distance rules must be observed. From 8 March, with an incidence of 50 to 100, museums, galleries, botanical gardens and zoos may open with appointment bookings for visitors. If the incidence is below 50, these cultural institutions will be allowed to open without appointment bookings. Berlin plans to relax the regulations for culture, sports and outdoor gastronomy, but more details are not yet known. |
| What rules apply to hotel and restaurant visits? |
Restaurants and cafes must remain closed, pick up food and eat at home is allowed. No alcohol may be sold from 11 pm to 6 am. Generally, there is a ban on alcohol only in green areas and parking lots. There will be relaxations for outdoor restaurant areas no earlier than March 22. With incidences of 50 to 100, guests are to be allowed with daily quick tests and prior appointment bookings. |
| What rules apply to major events? |
Large cultural events are not permitted. Celebrations in private premises or in public are not permitted, as contact restrictions must be observed. If possible, staying in closed rooms with a lot of public traffic should be avoided. |
| What rules apply to local and long-distance transport? |
Buses, trams and underground trains continue to run. However, the public transport service will be adapted to the restrictions of public life. Wearing a face mask remains mandatory, minimum distances should be observed. |
| What rules apply in hospitals and nursing homes? |
People in need of care and sick people are particularly at risk in the pandemic. The arrangements depend on the institutions and local conditions. Please obtain information from local hospitals and nursing homes. In general, these persons should not be socially isolated, therefore, recurring visits by a defined person are allowed if there are no corona cases in the institution. Visitors should be symptom-free. Special protective measures are taken for nursing homes. The federal government has to provide medical protective masks and bear the costs of rapid tests. Several times a week, the staff is obliged to be tested. Visits are allowed to protect vulnerable groups, but this should be limited to one person and a negative corona test may be required. Please check with the appropriate facilities before planning a visit. |
| What are the rules for visiting places of worship? |
Worship services are permitted under special hygiene conditions. Minimum distance must be maintained and masks are required throughout. Congregational singing is prohibited. If space is limited, registration is requested. An event with more than 10 people must be registered at least 2 days in advance with the responsible public order office. This does not apply to religious and ideological communities that have submitted a hygiene concept. |
| What rules apply to children with cold symptoms? |
Furthermore, children who have a cough or cold are no longer cared for in the daycare centres, i.e. they have to stay at home. This does not apply if there is a daily negative test. As soon as a child does not feel well, the symptoms become more severe or a fever is added, he/she must stay at home or be picked up and stay at home for at least 24 hours. If the health condition continues to deteriorate, please report to a pediatrician. He/she will decide whether a Covid test is necessary. |