The German lockdown will be extended to April 18, and the number of social contacts around Easter should be limited.
That is why most shops are closed between April 1 and April 5, and no church services are allowed. Shops that sell food will remain open. That was decided by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of the sixteen states during a summit on corona policy.
The plan to temporarily allow more visitors at home during Easter was rejected. During a press conference on the night from Monday to Tuesday, Merkel urged the Germans to stay home during Easter. “We are now in a dire situation,” she said, adding that Germany is racing against time to vaccinate residents.
Germany has been in lockdown since mid-December. The authorities had tempered expectations about possible easing before the talks on Monday. They are concerned about the growing number of corona infections. Health Minister Jens Spahn warned last week that his country is in a third corona wave.
German administrators saw room for relaxation last month. For example, hairdressers and some schools were allowed to reopen a few weeks ago. The lockdown is constantly extended by several weeks in Germany.