Planning to travel to Germany? Drastic restrictions for the unvaccinated in Saxony

In response to the dramatic increase in infections in the Free State of Saxony, the state government adopted an emergency ordinance tightening measures intended to contain the fourth wave of the pandemic. The restrictions apply particularly to unvaccinated people and will remain in force until 12 December 2021

New rules in force in Saxony from 22 November to 12 December 2021.

Private sphere

• the 1+1 rule – private meetings are permitted only between members of one household and one other person. Vaccinated people, those who have recovered from COVID-19 and children under 16 are exempt
• movement restrictions from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day apply to districts and cities with district status where the number of cases over seven days exceeds 1,000 per 100,000 residents. NOTE! (applies only to unvaccinated people)
• a ban on consuming alcohol in all public places

Catering, culture and tourism

• entry to catering establishments is possible under the 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered status) between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• overnight stays for tourism purposes are prohibited; exceptions are business travel and “social purposes”, subject to the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered or tested status)
• cultural venues (e.g. cinemas and theatres) are closed, with the exception of libraries, zoos and open-air animal parks
  religious services and other religious gatherings are possible under the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered or tested status)
• the organisation of events and festivals, including Christmas markets, is prohibited
• nightclubs, bars and clubs are closed
• rail and coach tourist excursions are prohibited, with the exception of regular public transport services

Schools and education

• the compulsory school attendance requirement is lifted for all schools
• schools and preschools remain open
• preschools and primary schools – limited in-person operation from 29 November 2021 – closed groups and reduced opening hours (preschools)
• higher-education institutions – participation in classes subject to the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered or tested status)
• continuing and vocational education institutions are closed; this also applies to dance, music and art schools and adult education universities. Offers for children under 16, including their carers subject to the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered or tested status), remain permitted

Retail and personal-care services

• access to retail stores is possible only under the 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered status) between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.; this also applies to DIY stores and garden centres
• retail supplying basic necessities (e.g. food, pet supplies and wholesalers
• of beverages, pharmacies and medical-supply shops, pharmacies) may operate without restrictions
• personal-care services may not be provided; hair salons may operate under the 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered status)

Work and public transport

• working from home is mandatory for employees who can perform their work from home
• FFP2 masks must be worn on bus and rail transport

Sport and recreation

• competitive sport may be practised by athletes subject to the 3G rule (vaccinated, recovered or tested status), without spectators
• amateur sport is permitted only as club sport for children under 16; carers are subject to the 3G regulations, 3G (vaccinated, recovered or tested status); competitions may take place without spectators
• rehabilitation and sports activities serving medical rehabilitation may take place
• swimming pools and saunas are closed

Other areas

• gatherings must be held in person and are permitted for groups of up to 10 people
• trade fairs may not take place
• driving schools may hold classes under the 2G rule for course participants (vaccinated or recovered status) and
• the 3G rule for instructors (vaccinated, recovered or tested status)
• travel agencies, insurance agencies and similar establishments are closed to visitors
• gaming arcades and bookmakers are closed to visitors

(source: kreis-goerlitz.de)