From Friday, June 18th, Berlin authorities will loosen guidances imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. The update bodes well for nightlife, which has largely remained on hold several months into Germany’s vaccination campaign.
Berliner Zeitung reports that while mask mandates will remain in place throughout much of Berlin, event capacity limits will ease. Indoor events can admit up to 250 attendees as long as they test beforehand. Outdoor events of up to 1,000 are allowed, with anything above 250 requiring a negative test from all entrants. All those attending indoor events must wear FFP-2 masks when not seated, however.
Additionally, the ban on alcohol sales from midnight to 5:00 AM will be lifted from Friday. Lawmakers first imposed curfews on the city in October amid a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
As of Wednesday, though, Berlin reported a seven-day infection rate of 12.2 cases per 100,000. By comparison, 13.6 cases per 100,000 were reported in the previous day’s rate. Germany as a whole now reports daily case counts comparable to those of early September with nearly 27% of the population fully vaccinated.
Berlin Mayor Michael Müller has announced that the new guidance will remain in place until July 11th. In two weeks, the Berlin Senate will meet to discuss restrictions further.
