5:10 p.m. | Business criticizes compulsory testing for commuters in Saxony
The Saxon economy has criticized the planned corona test obligation for commuters from Poland and the Czech Republic.
Saxony’s employer president Jörg Brückner stated that there was no objective reason for compulsory testing and that it was also legally untenable. He called for a nationwide uniform regulation. Going it alone in Saxony does not reduce the risk of infection in any way, but only leads to those affected entering Saxony via other federal states. From January 11th, cross-border commuters arriving from Saxony to neighboring countries or vice versa must have themselves tested at least twice a week at their own expense.
4:50 pm | Luxembourg opens shops, schools and cultural institutions
Luxembourg is easing its measures to contain the corona pandemic. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel announced that from Monday shops, sports and cultural facilities will be allowed to reopen under strict conditions. Face-to-face teaching should then start again in schools. The nocturnal exit restrictions will also be relaxed. The gastronomy, however, will be closed until the end of January. Even with strict contact restrictions, it will remain. Bettel explained that the number of new corona infections had decreased from an average of 550 to 167 new infections per day compared to the beginning of December.
4:20 pm | Lockdown apparently longer – contacts more limited
The federal and state governments have apparently agreed to extend the current lockdown until the end of January. As various news agencies report, the closure of large parts of the trade, restaurants and schools as well as daycare centers, which has been in effect since December 16, remains.
The Prime Minister of the federal states and Chancellor Angela Merkel are also said to have decided to further restrict private contacts. Private meetings should then only be allowed with one other person who does not live in the household. This regulation is not intended to be linked to a specific incidence number.
In addition, according to the reports, the freedom of movement of residents in corona hotspots is to be restricted. In counties with a so-called 7-day incidence of over 200 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, the range of motion should be limited to 15 kilometers around the place of residence, unless there is a valid reason. Day trips are not a valid reason.