It is now certain that public life in Germany will be drastically shut down as early as Wednesday (December 16) in view of the spreading Corona pandemic.
In principle, a limit of five people from two households will continue to apply for private meetings, whereby children up to 14 years are not counted. For the Christmas days from December 24 to 26, meetings with four people beyond one's own household are to be possible. However, this is to be limited to the closest family circle: spouses, civil partners, and partners in a non-marital partnership, as well as relatives in a straight line, siblings, sibling children, and their respective household members. In addition, the appeal applies to keep contacts in the week before to a minimum.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
A ban on arrivals and gatherings applies nationwide on both days. The municipalities are to determine where the setting off of fireworks is prohibited. De facto, however, firecrackers are to be prevented in general by banning the sale of pyrotechnics before New Year's Eve. Where this does become available, setting off fireworks is strongly discouraged.
Retail and services
In general, the retail sector will be closed from Wednesday until January 10. Exceptions apply, for example, to grocery stores, pick-up and delivery services also of the catering industry, pharmacies, drugstores, opticians, gas stations, auto repair shops, banks, post offices, dry cleaners, and Christmas tree dealers. The sale of products away from food in markets may be restricted. Hairdressers, beauty salons, and similar businesses will remain closed unless they provide medically necessary treatments. A strict ban on alcohol in public areas will be in effect for the entire lockdown.