Government unveils plan to lift most COVID restrictions by March 20

Experts in Germany are predicting that the Omicron wave of COVID-19 will peak in the coming days. The federal and state governments are therefore proposing to lift almost all restrictions within the next five weeks, in a three-step process. Here’s an overview of what’s being proposed ahead of the coronavirus summit on February 16. 

Most COVID restrictions to be lifted by March 20

Satisfied that the coronavirus situation in Germany is showing signs of easing, diminishing pressure on the healthcare system, the federal and state governments are planning a far-reaching easing of restrictions in the coming days and weeks. 

According to a draft resolution submitted by the SPD-led federal states and the chancellery ahead of Wednesday’s summit, “the far-reaching restrictions on social, cultural and economic life are to be gradually withdrawn by March 20.” After that, only “basic protective measures, namely the wearing of medical masks, should stay in place.” 

How will restrictions in Germany be lifted?

Specifically, the government and the states are envisioning a three-stage plan:

• Step one would see the upper limit for private gatherings of vaccinated and recovered people increased, restrictions on non-essential lifted (as they already have been in many federal states) across the board, and replaced with the requirement to wear a medical mask. 
• Step two would come around March 4, and involve the replacing of 2G rules in restaurants and bars with 3G rules, meaning entry would be granted to those who are vaccinated, recovered, or have tested negative. The same would apply to overnight accommodation. Nightclubs would be allowed to reopen with 2G plus rules in place.
• Step three, the final step, would take place around March 20, and would involve the lifting of all “more profound protective measures,” including the obligation to work from home. 

Final plan to be decided at summit on February 16

The announcement came as the federal government’s coronavirus expert panel predicted that the number of coronavirus infections in Germany would soon start to decrease, and recommended that, so long as admissions to hospitals and intensive care units remain stable, “reducing state infection control measures seems sensible.” 

The federal government and the state premiers will meet on Wednesday, February 16, to decide Germany’s next steps. It is likely that some alterations will be made to the government’s proposal. A concrete plan will be announced later in the day on Wednesday.