Berlin, 2020-05-15

In Germany, the easing of safety measures due to COVID-19 began at the beginning of May. The exact procedure is left to each federal state to decide.

Nationwide, the contact restrictions will be extended until 5 June, but members of two different households are allowed to now meet again. Shops of all sizes are open and students will return gradually by level until the beginning of the summer holidays, subject to conditions. Nurseries will remain closed, however, since 11 May an extended emergency care program has been in place to ease the difficult situation of families with children. A gradual opening of hotels and restaurants with strict rules in place has already begun in some federal states. Others have announced to follow suit soon.

If the number of new infections remains at a low level or decreases, border controls will also lift from 15 June.

The Federal Government is helping to secure the existence of the self-employed and small businesses with emergency aid. Companies with up to five employees can apply for a one-off allowance of up to EUR 9,000, and companies with up to ten employees can apply for a one-off allowance of up to EUR 15,000. This allowance is intended to provide liquidity support for three months. Start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises will be supported with an aid package of EUR 2 billion.

Author: Lutz Paschen, attorney at law

PASCHEN Rechtsanwälte