Germany: Lockdown in Gütersloh district lifted following court ruling July 7 /update 33

Event

The lockdown imposed in Gütersloh district (North Rhine-Westphalia state) has been lifted on Tuesday, July 7, after a court ruled in favor of a legal challenge against the measures made by a local business. Restrictions were imposed on the district on June 23 after more than 1500 employees at the Tönnies meat processing facility tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The lockdown had been due to end on Wednesday, July 8, but there was an option for authorities to extend it further. However, a local entertainment company lodged a legal challenge against the lockdown when it was previously extended and the state's Higher Administrative Court ruled the measures as disproportionate, meaning there will be no extension. Restaurants, bars, and gyms can now reopen and gatherings of up to ten people will now be permitted in line with national regulations.

German authorities announced on June 17 that the ban on large events will be extended until at least October 31, while the travel warning to non-European countries for German citizens will remain in place until August 31.

As of July 7, health authorities have confirmed 198,307 COVID-19 cases and 9031 associated deaths in Germany. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.