Before the Prime Minister's Conference with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), retail is calling for all shops to be opened as soon as possible.
"Safe shopping is also possible under pandemic conditions," said Stefan Genth, managing director of the HDE trade association, to WELT.
Everyone should learn to live with the virus.
"That includes openings before the incidence value reaches 50," said Genth.
Grocers and drugstores have been proving for months that this is possible if strict hygiene and distance rules are observed.
According to HDE, four out of five customer contacts in retail take place in the grocery and drugstore.
In this connection, Genth expressed criticism of Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU).