Germany is set to ban large events where contacts cannot be traced and hygiene regulations cannot be complied with until next year.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Ministers of Germany’s federal states decided on a new package of measures amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.
The ban extension is part of the series of new measures, which includes a minimum fine of €50 for those caught without a mask.
Merkel said: “We want to keep our health system strong in the pandemic, because this benefits everyone, but also the economy and public life.”
Mass gatherings including festivals, concerts and big sporting events will remain prohibited.
Merkel previously announced in June that major events and sports in the country would be banned until the start of November unless social distancing measures and hygiene protocol can be met.
The 2020-21 Bundesliga season will be played behind closed doors until at least the end of October, though fans may remain banned until the end of the year if teams cannot provide COVID-19 compliance.
Earlier this month, clubs in the top two tiers of German football had a plan to allow fans to return on September 18 blocked.
The UEFA Supercup game in Budapest between Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and Spanish LaLiga club Sevilla will be open to fans, with the Puskas Arena to be filled up to 30 per cent capacity on September 24.
The news comes off the back of the German federal government going live with its Restart Culture funding programme earlier this week. The funds are part of the government’s €1bn economic stimulus package, of which €150m is earmarked for help with the restart of music following the live events blackout due to COVID-19. Organisers of concerts and festivals will initially receive €80m.
Share this