Following the resolutions passed in the telephone conference between Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and the Minister Presidents of the federal states yesterday, Wednesday, April 15, a meeting was held yesterday evening between the Association of Cities and Towns of Lower Saxony and the State Secretaries of the state ministries on how to proceed with the implementation of these resolutions in Lower Saxony. Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel assessed the current situation on this basis.

"It is absolutely positive that the federal and state governments have agreed on uniform regulations. For me, this is an important basis for ensuring that the restrictions that continue to apply are accepted by the population in Salzgitter and throughout Germany. The initially differing regulations of the individual federal states under comparable conditions contributed significantly to the uncertainty of the population. The shutdown of public life and the contact restrictions have shown initial success in terms of the spread of the virus, but the ground on which we are moving is still very fragile. The continuation of the contact ban decided yesterday and the subsequent easing of restrictions from next week are a sensible strategy, but full normality will be a long time coming."

In addition to extending the contact restrictions until at least May 3, the key points of the pact of measures agreed during the conference call include

• Stores with a sales area of up to 800 square meters will be allowed to open from next Monday, April 20, subject to strict hygiene requirements
• Car dealers, bicycle dealers and bookshops will be allowed to open from next Monday, April 20, regardless of their size, subject to strict hygiene requirements.
• the restrictions on nursing and retirement homes remain in place. Experts are to develop concepts for the homes in the short term in order to reduce the social isolation that is already difficult for those affected and their relatives to bear.
• Restaurants, bars, cafés etc. remain closed, with the exception of the delivery and collection of take-away food for consumption at home
• Gradual resumption of school operations (initially for graduating classes from Monday, April 27) from May 4
• Crèches and daycare centers will remain closed until further notice. Emergency care in daycare centers is to be expanded.
• Prohibition of major events until probably the end of August 2020
• Religious services are still not possible
• Recommendation to wear simple protective masks when shopping or using public transport.

Tomorrow, Friday, April 17, the corresponding ordinance of the state of Lower Saxony is to be published, which will specify the key points mentioned. Klingebiel continues: "On this basis, we will draw up a concept as to which areas of the city administration, municipal facilities and municipal companies will be made accessible to customers, when and how. The first step will be to reopen the registration office in the car service park at the beginning of next week and make it possible to deliver green waste to the municipal management company."

The administration will provide comprehensive information about the decision on the range of services shortly on its website.

Klingebiel states: "Whether the relaxed measures that have now been adopted, which in individual cases such as in the retail, catering and hotel sectors can certainly also be perceived as unfair, will really be permanent and can even be extended in 14 days, depends largely, indeed almost exclusively, on our behavior in everyday life. Please continue to strictly adhere to the social distancing rules and contact restrictions, including in your daily shopping and on buses and trains, remain as disciplined as you have been over the last few days and weeks and show consideration for one another. This is the only way we can continue to secure the successes we have achieved in protecting against infection and justify further easing of restrictions. Thank you all very much for your understanding, your patience and your consideration in the interest of the special protection of the risk groups."