Markus Söder announced today, Friday 20th March, that the state parliament has voted to enact a sweeping curfew across Bavaria for the next two weeks.  Speaking at a press conference, Söder stated that there would be a fine of up to 25,000 Euros for those caught breaking the curfew, which will be enforced by the police. Exceptions will exist under the following circumstances:

• those going to and from work
• visiting local supermarkets for food shoping
• public exercising (runing, jogging, walking in parks), although this should be done alone or only with those you live with
• visiting a life partner
• attending hospitals, doctors surgeries or pharmacies
• helping those in critical need of assistance

To explain the new and controversial measures, Söder claimed that self-isolation and social distancing where not being implemented by enough people to have the desired effect. This comes at a time when the state saw a marked increase in new covid-19 cases, despite social distancing measures and limits on business opening hours being enforced.

The new measures will begin at midnight tonight and will last for two weeks.