The German state of Bavaria plans to soon allow restaurants to open their doors, and then also start welcoming tourists again.
Larger stores elsewhere in the country are also expected to soon receive permission to resume operations.
Hotels in Bavaria will be allowed to open, with some restrictions, starting on Whitsun weekend on May 30, says regional government leader Markus Söder. And as early as mid-May, restaurants in the affluent state will be allowed to open, with requirements that guests keep their distance from each other.
”"We will allow hotel operations and tourism starting on Whitsun weekend, the 30th, with the exception of saunas, wellness facilities and swimming pools," says Söder.
The announcement comes the day before a planned conference call with Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders on easing restrictions. According to German media, a decision is expected to be made to allow larger businesses to reopen. The easing would likely come into effect on May 11, according to sources familiar with the preparations.
Smaller stores have previously been allowed to open.
The German football league Bundesliga is also expected to get the go-ahead to start, possibly on May 15, according to the sources.
Germany, like most of Europe, has been more or less on lockdown since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Germany has been more successful than other large European countries in slowing the spread of the infection, and despite its larger population, has significantly fewer deaths than, for example, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain.
Source: TT
