Status: 10.12.2020 10:22 a.m.
The state government of Lower Saxony is withdrawing the relaxation of the corona rules that were actually planned for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The reason is that the number of infections is rising again.
From December 19 to January 10, the current contact rules in the country will remain in place, said Prime Minister Stephan Weil (SPD) on Thursday in Parliament. A maximum of five people from two households plus their children under 14 years of age are allowed to meet in public and private spaces. According to Weil, this regulation should also apply to New Year’s Eve and the New Year. “This is a turning point and we are well aware of that,” said the head of government. But the turn of the year in particular poses a very special risk for the infection process: “We mustn’t do that this year.” The state government wants to allow family get-togethers with up to ten relatives and their partners between December 24th and 26th – not counting children under 14 years of age.
“It’s about human life”
Christmas and New Year’s Eve should be different this year, said Weil. But compared to a virus that got out of control, that seems like the lower price tag. “At the end of the day, it’s about protecting human life and nothing less,” said Weil. You also have to take small increases in the number of infections very seriously, otherwise it could quickly turn into a large increase, said Weil. That shows the experience.
Holidays as an opportunity and a risk
In this regard, the holidays are both an opportunity and a risk. On the one hand, get-togethers and celebrations where alcohol flows are the ideal basis for the corona virus. On the other hand, the days before and after the festival are also the days of general deceleration in our society. That is why the state government wants to follow the advice of many, including those from science, and create the conditions for very quiet, peaceful holidays and a particularly quiet, calm New Year.
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