Germany to allow social gathering of 10 people for Christmas, New Year

With coronavirus
pandemic crippling the much awaited festive season with strict restrictions
across the world, Germany is offering some ease by capping the gatherings to 10
people from December 23 to January 1, double the limit for the rest of
December.

According to a
draft deal seen by AFP on Tuesday, Germany’s 16 federal states gave a nod to
the agreed guidelines on altering the limit over the Christmas-New Year period.

Also Read:German Foreign Minister rebukes anti-mask protesters comparing themselves to Nazi victims

The proposed draft
also suggests discussion with religious communities and groups to facilitate reduced
contacts while performing religious services.

The proposed measures will be presented in a meeting to take place on Wednesday with German Chancellor
Angela Merkel, reported AFP

The revised
measures are predicted to suggest an extension on closures of bars, restaurants,
cultural spots, including necessary recommendations on banning the fireworks on
public places and busy streets to prevent congested gatherings.

Also Read: Coronavirus-induced lockdown for several more months, says German Economy minister

Health officials, on
the other hand, have alarmed the authorities over rapidly accommodating
Intensive Care Units, while it remains difficult to track the source of virus
transmission amid consistently surging cases.

Germany, however
has been successful in combating the new infection trends to a great extent, owing to the stern social restrictions that were imposed in the country since
November 2.

Meanwhile, if the
Robert Koch Institute disease control center numbers are considered, Germany
has registered a total of 942,687 coronavirus cases and 14,361 deaths, reported
AFP.