Merkel announced a ban on visiting shops for the unvaccinated

The German authorities have agreed to tighten anti-coronavirus restrictions, in particular, to ban unvaccinated citizens from visiting non-food stores. This was announced by acting. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Der Spiegel reports.

“The situation is very serious,” Merkel said.

She said that the 2G rule (from German geimpft oder genesen - vaccinated or ill) will begin to operate in the country. This means that those who are unvaccinated or have not had coronavirus will not be able to get into stores, with the exception of grocery and pharmacies. They will also not be allowed to visit cinemas, theaters and restaurants, Merkel Bild quotes.

In addition, the authorities will impose contact restrictions for the unvaccinated. They will only be allowed to meet with members of their own family or a maximum of two members of another. Children under 14 will not be affected by the measure.

Merkel and her future successor Olaf Scholz also supported the introduction of mandatory vaccination. Now the Bundestag will discuss this idea, if approved, the decision will come into force from February 2022.