In Germany, a decision has been made to return from general quarantine to a normal lifestyle during the current month. On March 3, a distance conference of the government and presidential ministers of all federal states took place, which lasted 11 hours. A plan has been developed, a ‘road map’ for cancelling the lockdown throughout the country.

The plan is based on the gradual nature of the indulgences and the dependent on their scale on the level of morbidity in each district. In districts with an incidence rate of fewer than 50 people per 100 thousand of the population, the relief will go the fastest. 

Where the index holds at 100, the easing will be introduced more carefully. In districts where the index exceeds 100, the process will be slowed down. And the main feature is that the previous requirements of epidemiologists to be guided in indulgences by index 35 are completely excluded from consideration.

In a speech following the conference, Angela Merkel acknowledged that despite the danger of a third wave of diseases; the government is taking these measures into account the fatigue of society from restrictions. ‘The time has come to make life easier for people,’ said the Federal Chancellor.

The media commentaries do not say anything about the preparation of a new wave of protests against the quarantine, which is planned to begin with a mass manifestation of the Thinking Across 7/11 movement on April 4 in Stuttgart. 

The motivators of this wave of protests are planning their increase in preparation for the celebration of the Catholic Easter holidays, which will begin on April 24. As the NTV columnist writes, ’the expectations of the Germans for the joyful holiday of Easter are so high that it is better not to extinguish them. ’

‘Today we can talk about hope for the transition to a new stage, but this is a very crucial phase,’ said Merkel, meaning that she fears the spread of the British mutant coronavirus, which could force the abolition of the exemptions. Therefore, the Chancellor demands further discipline. One of the biggest dangers, from her point of view, is that enthusiasm for restraint will entirely evaporate.

The relaxation should be accompanied by an increase in the scope of testing. Starting next week, all citizens of Germany will be able to take express tests for free, but the available testing points are not enough. 

Bookstores, flower and garden stores will be able to fully resume operations across the country, subject to sanitary conditions. If this experiment shows positive results in two weeks, outdoor cafes, theatres, cinemas, indoor and outdoor sports facilities will open. 

However, the possibility of activating ‘emergency braking’ in case of danger will be taken into account. Separately, the role of the Ministry of Health was noted, which in the face of a shortage of time must carry out a complex set of organizational measures.

In April, a large number of mass events are expected in connection with the spring religious, cultural and sports events. As Angela Merkel said , ’spring 2021 should be different than spring 2020, it should be free.’ Source