Coronavirus: No more than two people

Florian Tiefenböck studied human medicine at the LMU Munich. In March 2014, he joined as a student and has supported the editorial team with medical articles ever since. After receiving his medical license and practical work in internal medicine at the University Hospital Augsburg, he has been a permanent member of the team since December 2019 and, among other things, ensures the medical quality of the tools.

More posts by Florian Tiefenböck All content is checked by medical journalists.

After a telephone consultation with the individual state governments, Angela Merkel announced new far-reaching measures in the fight against the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus on Sunday evening. Accordingly, there is a kind of ban on contact - initially for the next two weeks. Here is an overview of the measures.

On Sunday evening, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) appeared again in front of the public after a conference call with the Prime Ministers of the federal states. The federal and state governments agree on the seriousness of the current situation in Germany. "The coronavirus is spreading in our country at a worrying rate," said the Chancellor.

Merkel thanks

The benefits of the previous measures in the telephone switch have been evaluated and an interim balance has been drawn. Merkel thanked them for the "waiver and sacrifice" that an "overwhelming majority" of Germans have made so far. "This is how we save lives," she emphasized.

But you also have to be "able to learn" and adapt flexibly to the dynamic spread of the new type of corona virus. Accordingly, public life and social encounters should be shut down as far as is justifiable. Because the behavior of each individual is the most effective means against the further spread of Sars-CoV-2.

Nine measures against the spread of corona

The federal government and the states would work together on a "vital goal": "To gain time in the fight against the virus". According to Merkel, the same rules should apply to all citizens. On this basis, the federal and state governments have agreed on the following measures:

1. Citizens are urged to reduce contact with other people outside of their own household to an absolutely necessary minimum.
2. In public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of at least 1.5 meters - even better two meters - to people other than those mentioned below must be maintained.
3. Staying in public space is only permitted alone, with another person who does not live in the household or with members of your own household.
4. The way to work, emergency care, shopping, visits to the doctor, participation in meetings, necessary appointments and exams, help for other or individual sports and exercise in the fresh air as well as other necessary activities are of course still possible.
5. Groups of people celebrating in public places, in apartments and in private facilities are unacceptable in view of the serious situation in our country. Violations of the contact restrictions should be monitored by the regulatory authorities and the police and sanctioned in the event of violations.
6. Catering establishments are closed. This does not apply to the delivery and collection of take-away meals for consumption at home.
7. Service companies in the field of personal care such as hairdressers, cosmetic studios, massage practices, tattoo studios and similar businesses are closed because they are physically close in this area, which is essential for professional practice, and therefore do not match the guidelines . Medically necessary treatments are still possible.
8. In all establishments, especially those open to the public, it is important to comply with hygiene regulations and implement effective protective measures for employees and visitors.
9. These measures should be valid for at least two weeks.

Penalty for violations

Everyone now knows where he is and should organize his life according to these clear guidelines, Merkel warned after the measures were announced. In addition, she emphasized again that it was not about "any recommendations", but about rules for the common good that had to be complied with. Violations would have consequences and would be punished - but the exact sentence did not play a role in today's discussion.

Merkel calls for reason

Towards the end, the Chancellor appealed: "Please, everyone should join us! Do what is right for our country! Show your reason and your heart!" Above all, she relies on the common sense and the care of everyone.

It is now up to the federal states to implement the new resolutions. Merkel pointed out that some points - also taking into account regional peculiarities to neighboring countries - would certainly have to be formulated in more detail.

Tags:  tcm elderly care womenshealth