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Hesse will loosen its corona restrictions from Monday and end the 2G rule in retail. The Corona cabinet decided on Friday evening, as the State Chancellery announced on Saturday in Wiesbaden. In addition, the country allows more spectators to attend major events. Prime Minister Volker Bouffier (CDU), who leads a black-green government, promised to change the protection ordinance on Wednesday.
“We are thus enabling more freedom, while at the same time we protect people with clear guidelines,” said Bouffier, according to the State Chancellery. One of the requirements is that an FFP2 mask must be worn when shopping in the future.
The 2G plus rule still applies to major events in Hesse. 2G means that only those who have been vaccinated or have recovered have access. The 2G plus rule prescribes an additional test or a booster vaccination against the corona virus. At large outdoor events, up to 50 percent of the seats can be occupied from Monday – but a maximum of 10,000 spectators are allowed. Inside, occupancy is limited to 30 percent and 4,000 visitors.
So far, only shops for daily needs such as grocery stores and pharmacies have been exempt from the 2G obligation in retail in Hesse – as is often the case. The federal and state governments had decided on the 2G rule for large parts of the retail trade at the beginning of December 2021. In several federal states, however, shopping without proof of vaccination or recovery is already allowed again, and various courts had overturned the restriction.
In retail, the call for a nationwide abolition of the 2G rule for the industry has recently become louder. (dpa)