Saarland / Saarbrücken – In coordination with the federal government and the federal states, the Saarland state government has taken comprehensive protective and security measures: events and gatherings are prohibited from March 18 to April 20, retail facilities and shops remain closed
Clear restrictions for gastronomy, hospitals, handicapped and nursing facilities, schools, universities and care facilities – economic life must go on, however, craft, businesses and industry continue to work regularly
Together with the federal government and the federal states, the Saarland state government is taking a series of drastic measures to curb and slow down the spread of the corona virus. The Ministry of Health issued a corresponding order today, which will take effect on March 18, 2020.
“We want to protect the citizens with this measure of infection protection and above all we try to gain time at the same time to build up expanded treatment measures and capacities in the hospitals”, said Health Secretary Stephan Kolling, who heads the crisis team in Saarland and together with the Ministries in the state government as well as health authorities, doctors and health facilities coordinate preventive measures.
In order to slow the further spread of the virus in Saarland, events and gatherings are prohibited nationwide from Wednesday. Private contacts in private living rooms are not prohibited, but should be avoided in larger groups if possible. We strongly advise against private parties. This also applies to the operation of all facilities that are used only for leisure activities. Sports homes are to be kept closed, as are sports and playgrounds and meetings in churches and religious communities should remain suspended. Zoos, dance schools, trade fairs and betting shops are also closed.
In addition, the opening of shops and retail outlets is also prohibited from Wednesday; Exceptions only apply to stores that are necessary. Beverage stores, DIY megastores with garden centers, pharmacies and drug stores remain open. Also excluded are all health care providers. “In order to reduce the flow of visitors to grocery stores, the shop opening hours have also been expanded: weekdays can be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.”, says Kolling
“There is a very dynamic and serious situation worldwide, across Germany and Saarland, with a sharp increase in the number of cases within a few days, even in Saarland.” Since neither vaccination is currently available nor specific therapy, all measures would have to be taken to slow the spread
Specifically, the prohibitions, prohibitions and restrictions affect catering and retail, for which only a few exceptions are defined. Workshops for people with disabilities, facilities for day and night care, day care centers, hospitals, preventive and rehabilitation facilities, universities, schools and day care centers are also affected.
There are requirements especially for restaurants, hotels and restaurants: distance regulations for tables, regulation of the number of visitors, hygiene measures and instructions are mandatory. Restaurants and restaurants are generally not allowed to open before 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. The delivery of takeaway food or delivery is possible at any time.
Kolling asks the population for understanding of these tough measures, which are essential in this situation. “We are aware that this is a tough cut, but safety and health protection take precedence in everyday life,” said Kolling. He underlines: “The regulations put in place today serve in particular the purpose of slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in terms of time and space and, in the current situation, also decoupling it from the ongoing wave of influenza.” A slower spread has the advantage that the medical care systems for the population could be used over a longer period of time.
Kolling says: “With all the facilities, meeting points and institutions mentioned, it can be assumed that a large number of people will gather there – and inevitably closer physical contact.” It was therefore advisable to prohibit all of this, because in the event of a mere limitation in reality, transmission of the pathogen cannot be reliably prevented. “With regard to the health security of our population, we have to take these considerations into account with the general order!”
At a glance
Events and meetings are prohibited across Saarland
All facilities serving leisure activities (e.g. cinemas, bars and clubs, sports and playgrounds, shisha bars, fitness studios, libraries, zoos) and all kinds of shops are closed.
The grocery trade, beverage markets, banks, pharmacies, drug stores, medical supply stores, opticians, hearing aid acousticians, post office, horticultural and animal supplies, medical care providers and health professions, dry cleaners, hardware stores, animal feed trade, petrol stations and online trade remain open.
Hospitals must issue visits bans or restrictions
Availability of the hotline expanded
The Saarland Ministry of Health has set up a hotline for general questions about the coronavirus in Saarland, which can be reached on weekdays between 6 a.m. and midnight at (0681) 501-4422. On weekends, the hotline can be reached between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. You can reach the Corona virus center via email at: [email protected]. Further information for citizens is also available on the homepage www.corona.saarland.de/ or on the RKI website on the Corona virus www.rki.de/covid-19.
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Michael Klein
Press officer
soziales.saarland.de
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