In the state of Brandenburg, the extensive contact restrictions that came into force on 23 March 2020 to contain the coronavirus pandemic will be extended until the end of 19 April 2020.
This means that people are not allowed to stay in public places. According to the Containment Ordinance, public places are in particular public paths, streets, squares, traffic facilities, green spaces and parks.
The following exceptions apply in order to be able to cover necessary distances or, for example, to be able to do sports:
- Routes to shops for daily needs (e.g. groceries or pharmacies),
- Carrying out professional activities and travelling to the workplace,
- Utilisation of medical and veterinary care services such as visits to the doctor, including psychotherapists and physiotherapists, if this is urgently required for medical reasons,
- Donation of blood,
- Visiting life partners, the elderly, the sick or people with disabilities outside of institutions, as well as exercising custody rights in the private sphere and accompanying people in need of support and minors,
- Accompanying the dying and attending funerals in the closest family circle,
- Sport and exercise in the fresh air as well as caring for animals,
- Attending urgent and verifiable appointments with authorities, courts, bailiffs, lawyers and notaries.
For example, anyone who organises public or non-public events or gatherings despite a ban is liable to a fine of between 500 and 2,500 euros. Participation in such events can be penalised with a fine of 50 to 500 euros. Anyone who opens a retail outlet to the public for which there is no exemption can expect a fine of between 1,000 and 10,000 euros. In special repeat offences, the fine can be up to 25,000 euros. The amount of the respective fine is determined by the administrative districts and independent cities.