Despite Chancellor Angela Merkel seeking to extend Germany’s anti-Covid restrictions into April, the city of Trier decided this weekend that restaurants, cafés and bars could reopen their outdoors terraces as of Monday.
Strict hygiene and health safety protocols remain in place, however. Staff must wear a mask (only surgical or FFP2 masks are authorised), as well as customers who are not seated. Customers must note down their contact details and tables should be spaced at least 1m50 apart. Overall outdoor capacity has been reduced as well.
But the most considerable new rule is proof of a negative coronavirus test. A rapid test can be carried out at the establishment itself, but customers may also bring along a test carried out up to 24 hours beforehand.
Regional leaders of Germany’s 16 states are set to meet with Merkel on Monday. With the rate of infections fast rising again, health authorities have warned against further easing any restrictions. The incidence rate on Sunday reached 103.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the RKI.
