Starting Tuesday, terraces will be able to open again. However, guests have to register beforehand and provide contact information. Furthermore, up to ten people are allowed to gather outside, but only if everyone is able to show a negative test result. A negative test also gives one the ability to visit cinemas and theatres.
Upon announcement, the state was heavily criticised by other German regions. Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that given the elevated incidence rate, conditions are not suitable for the attempt.
Now that the new model is set to begin, criticism has been even greater. Over the past seven days, Saarland’s incidence rate has significantly increased. At the end of March, it was set at 61, 84 at the beginning of April, and currently finds itself at 87. If the 100 limit is reached for consecutive days, the so-called “emergency break” will come into effect.
Another problem is the elevated infection rate in the bordering French department Moselle, which currently has an incidence rate above 300. German authorities have further concluded that the French region is prone to coronavirus variants.
On top of that, restaurateurs are uncertain if the weather conditions will actually allow to open terraces. Some cinemas have already announced that they remain closed, given that there are not enough new movies.
