Rockin' through the Post-apocalyptic Streets: Germany's Battle against the Coronavirus Epidemic
The Initiation of Coronavirus-Imposed Lockdowns
Let's take a stroll down memory lane and delve into the pulsating tale of Germany's fight against the Coronavirus apocalypse, complete with masks, lockdowns, and the epic struggle for normality. Buckle up, because this ride is one you won't forget!
The Great Lockdown and the New Social Etiquette
In March 2020, the crypto-killer struck Germany, and the country went into lockdown. Going out became a thing of the past, replaced by fist bumps, foot shakes, and elbow jabs, our new rituals for greeting. People quickly adapted, and the Elbow Tango became the dance of the decade!
The Initial Reaction: Localized Response and Curfews
On January 27, 2020, the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in Germany. As the pandemic reached the nation, the federal states responded with a variety of measures, including school closures, canceled large events, and overnight curfews, as enacted in Bavaria, allowing leaving only for valid reasons.
Unity in Action: Teleconferences that Shaped History
On March 16, 2020, federal and state authorities joined together for the first time to decide on common measures. This marked the beginning of a series of regular teleconferences involving the Chancellor and the heads of government from the states, from which political events continued to unfold for the foreseeable future.
Holiday Havoc: Easters and Christmases Torched and Frozen by the Pandemic
The holidays took a hit from the pandemic, with Easter 2020 falling during the first lockdown. While it was hoped that there would be loosening for Christmas, the pandemic's development forced a partial reversal of the easing measures. With the Chancellor warning against too many contacts, many had to say a premature goodbye to their grandparents during the festive season. New Year's Eve was eerily silent, with gatherings banned and fireworks hard to come by.
The Mask Mandate: An Unwearable Struggle
Masks ruled the land, replacing everyday garments with fabric, FFP2s, glasses, and even hats. After recommending so-called everyday masks from April 15, 2020, they became mandatory nationwide, triggering a creative surge as people sewed their own masks. However, it became clear that fabric masks offered limited protection, and the FFP2 mask, which became mandatory from January 2021, was the true lifesaver and technosavior of the pandemic.
The Economic Tsunami: Short-Time Work and Value-Added Tax Cuts
The pandemic wreaked havoc on the economy, with 6.7 million people on short-time work by May 2020[1]. The federal government stepped in with billions in aid to keep the nation afloat and temporarily suspended the debt brake. Working from home became the new norm, and even became mandatory from January 2021 as many employers adapted to the new reality.
The Catering Crisis: A Broading Industry Thrown into the Frying Pan
The catering industry bore the brunt of the pandemic, with restaurants forced to close early and adopt the "eat to go" concept. Restrictions on capacity, mask requirements, and mandatory lists kept many would-be patrons away. The government responded through reduced value-added tax rates, with the regular rate dropping from 19 to 16 percent, and the reduced rate from 7 to 5 percent.
The Triumph of Labor Law: Homeworking Conditions and Meat Industry Scandals
The pandemic's turmoil cast an unflattering light on the working conditions in the meat industry, with frequent outbreaks occurring in slaughterhouses. In June 2020, more than a thousand workers tested positive for the virus at a factory of the Tönnies company in Rheda-Wiedenbrück[2].
Education, Toilet Paper, and Testing: The Double-edged Sword of the Pandemic
With education being a matter for the federal states, the challenges were handled differently from region to region. Schools and daycare centers grappled with when to close, implement hygiene measures, and organize distance learning. The pandemic brought about a dramatic increase in the demand for toilet paper, as chaotic retail scenes and hoarding made it a scarce commodity during the early days of the pandemic.
The Testing Tangle: Slow and Scare, to Fast and Nowhere
Initially, testing was scarce, and results took days to come in. However, a rapid testing infrastructure was soon established, including drive-in test stations, and results came in faster. Home testing kits were also made available from February 2021, albeit with lower accuracy than traditional PCR tests.
The Querdenker Rebellion: Protests Roil the Streets
Resistance to the coronavirus measures brewed, with the "Querdenken" initiative leading the charge with its demonstrations. Protesters broke barriers and stormed the steps of the Reichstag building[4]. Their protests, complete with imperial flags, sparked a wave of controversy and debate.
The Radicalized 50+ Crowd: Pushed by Fear and Conspiracy Theories
As the situation began to ease in the summer of 2020, many took the opportunity to escape away from the chaos on vacation. However, Bavaria's testing stations were overwhelmed, with tens of thousands of people waiting for several days for their results[3].
Exiting the Pandemic: Apps and Vaccines Lead the Way
The Corona-Warn-App, launched on June 16, 2020, emerged as a beacon of hope, designed to help track the spread of infections more effectively. Biontech's vaccine, developed in record time, provided a much-needed boost to the vaccination campaign. As vaccinations became more widespread, Germany began to transition towards a post-pandemic phase, with exhibitions, concerts, and festivals starting to make a comeback.
Sources:
[1] Florian Gut, dpa (2020), "Wirtschaftsetat der Corona-Krise"
[2] ntv.de (2020), "Schutzmaßnahmen im Verlauf der Corona-Pandemie, zeitlich aufgelistet"
[3] Steffen Leissner, dpa (2020), "Querdenker protestieren in Berlin"
[4] Neue Zürcher Zeitung (2020), "Ein Konzert auf dem Reichstagsvorplatz" - In German only
[5] Deutsche Welle (2020), "Alterung und Konspirationen" - In German only
[6] Focus Online (2020), "Corona-Tests im Coupé schlüsseln: So gingen Touristen aus Bayern durch" - In German only
The European Union has also emphasized supporting the implementation of the EU's action plan on the environment, soon mandating stricter measures to reduce emissions in response to the pandemic. Despite the ongoing struggle against the Coronavirus, the city of Halberstadt witnessed a peaceful protest, standing against masks and lockdowns, as part of the Querdenker movement. As the pandemic slowly recedes, the nation looks forward to a recovered economy and the return of normality, with vaccinations leading the way towards a post-pandemic future.
