| What are the rules for day care centres? |
Kitas are in restricted operation; this includes all children who have a place at the respective Kita. Should the new incidence reach a value of at least 100, Kitas are closed again and switched back to emergency care. This means that only 50% of the places are still available. Parents are asked to care for their children at home. Emergency care is available for children of parents (at least one parent) in systemically important jobs and in cases of special hardship. For working parents who must care for their children (under age 12) at home due to daycare and school closures, there is a benefit known as child sick leave. For children with disabilities, the age restriction does not apply. Currently (according to the federal cabinet decision) 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 does not correspond to the full net wage, but is lower. |
| What rules apply to primary schools? |
Primary school pupils are in half classes in alternating lessons. There is compulsory testing for pupils and teachers twice a week. Up to grade 6, emergency supervision is in place from approximately 8am-1pm. As of May 31, all classes will return to face-to-face classes, provided the incidence is below 50. For working parents who have to care for their children (under 12 years of age) at home due to the 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 federal cabinet decision) 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 does not correspond to the full net wage, but is lower. |
| What rules apply to secondary schools? |
All secondary schools are in the alternating model. From 31 May, all school classes return to face-to-face teaching, provided the incidence is below 50. Pupils are obliged to wear a mouth-nose covering during lessons. Schools will be required to test 2x per week for students and teachers. Further information: https://www.mk.niedersachsen.de/startseite/aktuelles/presseinformationen/szenario-a-bei-inzidenz-bis-50-offnungen-von-kitas-und-schulen-zum-31-mai-tonne-kinder-und-jugendliche-stehen-bei-uns-im-fokus-200627.html |
| What rules apply to educational institutions? |
For information on the conditions in adult education institutions, please refer to the respective websites. |
| What rules apply to universities & universities of applied sciences? |
Seminars and lectures of the universities and colleges will take place in digital form in the summer semester 2021. For more information on face-to-face seminars and digital lectures, please contact your university/college. |
| What are the rules for visiting the doctor? |
It is recommended that you continue to take preventive medical checkups. In case of acute symptoms of respiratory diseases (such as rhinitis, cough, sore throat, runny nose, etc.) it is strongly recommended to stay at home. Sick leave is sometimes possible online, contact your family doctor by telephone. |
| What rules apply in contact with people? |
The own household may meet with 2 persons from another household. Children up to 6 years of age are exempt from this restriction. In regions with an incidence of over 100, one may only meet with one other person from another household. In this case, children are subject to an age limit of 6 years. Couples not living together are considered one household. In counties with an incidence of 35 or less, up to 10 people from three households may meet. Further information: https://www.niedersachsen.de/Coronavirus/antworten_auf_haufig_gestellte_fragen_faq/antworten-auf-haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-186686.html#1Kontakt |
| What rules apply to sporting activities? |
Individual sports are permitted outdoors alone and in small groups with a maximum of 2 other people from another household. If permission is granted, up to 10 people from a maximum of three households may also meet for sport. Children may meet for sport in a maximum group size of 20. However, different rules apply depending on incidences: https://www.niedersachsen.de/Coronavirus/antworten_auf_haufig_gestellte_fragen_faq/antworten-auf-haufig-gestellte-fragen-rund-ums-sporttreiben-188025.html |
| What rules apply to cultural events? |
Playgrounds are open, hygiene and distance rules must be observed. Further opening measures and regulations for culture and leisure: https://www.niedersachsen.de/Coronavirus/antworten_auf_haufig_gestellte_fragen_faq/antworten-auf-haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-185463.html |
| What rules apply to hotel and restaurant visits? |
Restaurants and cafes must remain closed, pick up food and eat at home is allowed. Gastro is scheduled to reopen in phases the weekend of May 7 if the incidence is below 100. Read more: https://www.niedersachsen.de/Coronavirus/antworten_auf_haufig_gestellte_fragen_faq/antworten-auf-haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-185463.html |
| 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, people should refrain from staying in closed rooms with a lot of public traffic. Decisions on when large events will be allowed again have yet to be made. Further information at: https://www.niedersachsen.de/Coronavirus/antworten_auf_haufig_gestellte_fragen_faq/antworten-auf-haufig-gestellte-fragen-faq-185463.html |
| What rules apply to local and long-distance transport? |
Wearing an everyday mask is mandatory on public transport. This is consistently monitored by the regulatory authorities and sanctioned if necessary. It is recommended to avoid unnecessary journeys by public transport. |
| What rules apply in hospitals and nursing homes? |
People in need of care and sick people are particularly at risk in the pandemic. Special protective measures are being taken for homes for the elderly. An FFP2 mask must be worn when coming into contact with residents in a retirement and nursing home and in facilities for people with disabilities. Mandatory testing of staff is carried out several times a week. Visits are permitted to protect vulnerable groups, but these should be limited to one permanent person if possible and a negative coronal test may be required. Please check with the relevant 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? |
Children with simple symptoms, such as a cold or a slight cough, are allowed to attend school/nursery. As soon as a child does not feel well and the symptoms are stronger, he or she must stay at home. A doctor will decide whether a Covid test is necessary. After 48 hours without symptoms, the child can go back to school/nursery if he/she has had no contact with a person who is proven to be ill with Covid. |