Germany presses ahead with gradual lifting of lockdown

Justin Huggler
·2 min read
BERLIN, GERMANY - APRIL 30: A child plays on a public playground on the first day that many playgrounds are opening again during the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis on April 30, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. Germany is taking its first steps to ease restrictions on public life that had been imposed weeks ago in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Shops across the country are reopening, factory assembly lines are restarting and high schools are holding final exams. Health leaders are monitoring the process carefully for any resurgence of coronavirus infections. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) - Maja Hitij/Getty Images Europe

Germany is to reopen playgrounds, zoos and museums in a clear sign it intends to press ahead with lifting its coronavirus lockdown.

But large public gatherings have been banned until August 31 and Angela Merkel warned it was too early to consider reopening European borders to travel.

There has been speculation in recent days over whether Germany would stick to its plan to ease restrictions amid fears of a second wave of infections.

But as a key measurement of the outbreak fell to its lowest level in a week Mrs Merkel and regional leaders agreed to press ahead.

“It is in everyone’s interest that we have a strategy and an objective in Germany,” Mrs Merkel said as she announced the new measures.

Significant decisions were not expected at the German chancellor’s weekly meeting with regional leaders on Thursday.

Germany began to lift its lockdown last week when shops reopened, but government sources have stressed reliable data on the effects will not be available until next week.

There was concern over a possible second wave on Monday when the reproduction number — the average number of people each person with the virus infects — briefly rose to 1.

But after it fell back to 0.75 on Wednesday Mrs Merkel and the regional leaders appeared keen to send a signal.

Playgrounds, museums and zoos will be allowed to reopen provided hygiene measures are taken.

Churches and other places of worship will also be allowed to resume religious services, but singing will not be permitted.