On Sunday, federal and state guidelines in the fight against the spread of the corona virus were announced. The feared nationwide curfew did not occur, but nevertheless the regulations for staying outside one's own four walls were once again tightened. Following an extensive conference call, Hesse's Prime Minister Volker Bouffier made it clear once again that a joint approach by the states and the federal government to the corona crisis was necessary and would strengthen the public's confidence in the state's ability to act.
The most important measure: Reduce personal contacts
The measures adopted build on the regulations already in place in Hesse, with the aim of reducing personal contacts to a minimum.
"The situation is extremely serious. We must continue to minimize personal contacts in order to slow down the spread of the virus. Nevertheless, we must remain prudent. Therefore, we have agreed on a more extensive ban on contact in public, without completely isolating people," said Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier on Sunday in Wiesbaden.
The Hessian state government decided on the measures in a special cabinet meeting on Sunday evening.
Tightening of the contact ban
Core point is a further tightening of the already existing contact ban in public spaces. Also in Hesse, from now on only groups of no more than two people are allowed to be together in public. Exceptions are only allowed if the persons belong to a common household.
Exceptions from the regulation
Exceptions from the 2-person limit in public are also groups of people who must necessarily be on the road together for business and official reasons. Buses and trains are also exempt by their very nature. They can therefore continue to be used. The Abitur examinations in Hesse can also continue. In this case, the hygiene regulations must be observed.
Closures of businesses
Service businesses in the field of personal care, such as hairdressers, cosmetic studios, massage practices, tattoo studios and similar businesses will be closed, because physical proximity is essential here. Medically necessary treatments will remain available.
Appeal to reason
"I sincerely thank all citizens who have already complied with the measures adopted and continue to appeal to their reason and consideration," said the Prime Minister. "I am aware that our decision comes with further restrictions on personal freedom. However, it is imperative in the current situation that we all pull together and take responsibility to slow the spread of the virus. Restricting personal contacts even further is the top priority for this," the head of government said.
In this spirit: stay at home! That's the only way we can get on in this crisis #together
