A small glimmer of hope in the midst of coronavirus lockdown: Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn believes that, after the Easter holidays, Germany will be able to take its first steps back to normal life. Until then, the German population has to respect social distancing measures.

End of coronavirus tunnel in sight?

Spahn believes that the first, cautious easing of state-mandated restrictions will be possible after the school holidays. If the current positive trend in the infection rate continues, “We will be able to talk to the heads of the federal states about a gradual return to normality after the Easter holidays,” Spahn told the Handelsblatt newspaper. 

Spahn said he was envisaging a “step by step” freeing of the German economy from coronavirus restrictions. “A condition for returning to work is that you can safely organise the factory or business for employees or customers,” he said. “Companies or industries that can demonstrate they comply with hygiene or distance rules will find it easier to return to everyday life.” 

A prerequisite for the slow dismantling is also that the population adhere to restrictions over the Easter holidays. Spahn emphasised that the duration of the social distancing measures and other everyday restrictions depends on the behaviour of Germany’s citizens: “With appropriate caution, normality will soon be possible again.” 

It is, however, clear that major social gatherings like football matches are off the cards for the foreseeable future. “Wherever people get close to each other privately, such as at large events or in clubs, it will still take a long time until normality returns,” he said. 

German Trade Union Confederation urges caution

The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is calling for a cautious approach to resuming normality in business. This must be done in a way that prevents the virus from spreading again, said DGB board member Stefan Körzell. The occupational health and safety of employees must come first. 

State Secretary Stephan Mayer also urged caution. The public debate about a return to normality is understandable, he told the Handelsblatt, “but we should be cautious in the political arena. We mustn’t create false expectations.” He demands instead that the government wait until the end of the Easter holidays before determining whether a gradual easing of restrictions is safe and appropriate.