News

Bundestag decides further corona financial aid

The German state has decided to provid even greater support for working parents, employees on short-time work and restaurants affected by the corona crisis. On Thursday, the Bundestag decided on several financial aids that are to be made available quickly and without complications. Parents are to receive wage compensation for longer periods if they cannot work at home because of child care. For businesses, tax breaks are planned for restaurants. The German Bundesrat still has to give...

Coronavirus probably also contagious via air

Droplets flying through the air when sneezing and coughing spread the corona virus Sars-CoV-2, but tiny droplets floating in the air as aerosol also apparently play a considerable role in the transmission of the pathogen. The Covid-19 pathogen is transmitted from person to person. This is why the reduction of interpersonal contacts during the lockdown was so effective in slowing down the spread. However, it is still unclear exactly how the virus is transmitted. Most infections are probably...

Violence against men: Nuremberg Caritas offers shelter

The Nuremberg Caritas needs more housing for men who are victims of domestic violence. The charity has set up a flat where victims can get protection and help. In addition to regular counselling, the welfare organization has been offering a so-called shelter apartment for up to three men and their children in Nuremberg for three months. The topic is still a taboo both in society and for those affected, said Caritas project manager Petra Zöttlein. Therefore, the inhibition threshold to seek...

Tax collapse due to corona pandemic in Germany

Taxes are collapsing because of the Corona pandemic. According to tax estimators, the federal, state and local governments will probably receive 81 billion less this year than in 2019. This is the biggest drop in tax revenue in the history of the Federal Republic. If the tax estimators are right, the tax revenue will amount to 717 billion euros this year. That corresponds to the level of 2016, which at first might not sound too dramatic. However, public budgets have grown strongly since then....

Bundestag decides corona bonus and expansion of tests

As promised, employees in geriatric care are to receive a Corona bonus this year. This was decided by the Bundestag. In addition, health insurance companies will in future cover the costs of a corona test, even if someone does not show any symptoms. The premium is part of the so-called second population protection law of the Grand Coalition, which provides for numerous other measures in the fight against the spread of the corona virus. The local health authorities are to receive more support,...

Changes coming into effect in May in Germany

From 1 May, several regulations and changes will come into force in Germany that affect the everyday life of many citizens.   No crediting of supplementary income against short-time work compensation Previously, anyone who was employed in a sideline job in addition to the short-time working allowance was credited the full amount of additional income. Accordingly, there was less short-time work compensation. This regulation will now be dropped temporarily. Therefore short-time workers...

Munich Oktoberfest 2020 cancelled due to corona crisis

The Munich Oktoberfest and the Central Agricultural Festival on the Theresienwiese are cancelled due to Corona. This was announced today by Bavaria's Minister President Söder and Munich's Mayor Reiter. Both spoke of a painful decision. Folk festivals - such as strong beer festivals or carnival events - have already proved to be virus hubs in the past, said Söder. That is why he agreed with Munich's Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter (SDP), that the risk of holding the Oktoberfest was simply too high....

Masks compulsory from 27 April

With the first reduction of the corona restrictions in Bavaria, Minister President Markus Söder announced today in the Bavarian parliament the introduction of obligatory masks when in shops and using public transport. The regulation will apply from Monday, April 27. Last Thursday, the state government had previously decided on a "mask directive" without any obligation. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) apparently changed his mind.
Therefore, at the same...

Bavaria loosens restrictions slightly

Following yesterday's announcements by the German Federal Government, Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder today announced at a press conference the changes to the measures that have been adopted in deviation from the nationwide regulations for Bavaria. At the beginning of today's press conference, Minister-President Söder continues to urge caution in view of the Corona pandemic. Otherwise, there is a risk of a significant relapse, more difficult measures and an overload of the health...

First alleviations of corona measures announced in Germany

After almost four weeks, the first measures to combat the coronavirus in Germany are being loosened - but private and public life remains severely restricted.

On April 15^th 2020, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the first relaxation of the measures, even though contact restrictions will remain in place until the beginning of May. In mini-steps, public life is to get back on track. The message: we have to get used to a life with the virus.

The most important decisions:

• Major events are...

Corona Crisis: many industries desperately seeking employees

Shops and restaurants have closed, events are cancelled, factories lack supplies for their production. The corona crisis is crippling many sectors of the economy. That is why 470,000 companies in Germany have now announced short-time work (which effectively means the temporary reduction of regular working hours in a company) due to a considerable loss of work. It's mostly used to avoid dismissals. The employees affected by short-time work are forced to work less or not at all. In order to...

Sister Act: Bavarian nuns donate toilet paper

During the corona crisis, many affected countries face various problems. Most of these issues are similar, such as exit restrictions and the supply of respiratory masks and ventilators. However, loosely based on the motto: 'different countries, different customs', there are big differences in what people are starting to hoard and what is in danger of becoming scarce thanks to the hamster purchases in the supermarkets. In Germany along with pasta, tomato sauce and flour, toilet paper became...