07 Oct 2020 | 02:35 PM UTC
Germany: Additional restrictions to be implemented in Berlin from October 10 /update 41
Additional restrictions to be implemented in Berlin from October 10 amid rise in COVID-19 cases; follow government directives
Event
German authorities announced on Wednesday, October 7, that additional restrictions will be implemented in Berlin due to a rise in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the capital. Under the new measures, bars, restaurants, and shops will only be permitted to open between 23:00 and 06:00 (local time) from Saturday, October 10 to at least October 31. During this time a maximum of five people from different households are permitted to meet.
Additionally, from October 31, the maximum number of people permitted to meet will be reduced from 25 to 10.
As of Wednesday, October 7, there have been 307,410 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Germany with 9566 associated fatalities. Further international 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.
Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.
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:
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Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water. |
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When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. |
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If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease. |
