Those who have not been vaccinated or recovered will no longer have access to restaurants, theaters or cinemas in Hessen from next week. Prime Minister Volker Bouffier (CDU) and Health Minister Kai Klose (The Greens) announced this in the State Chancellery on Friday evening. Bouffier spoke of the 2G rule as a "necessary measure" that the Hessian Corona cabinet decided. "We have a very, very serious situation," said the Prime Minister about the rapidly increasing number of corona infections. "We have to do everything we can to stop this development and, if possible, reverse it." The new Hessian corona rules are to come into force on Thursday, November 25th and apply until December 23rd. There are also other restrictions, such as the 3G rule at work or in local transport,which the new Federal Infection Protection Act provides and which of course apply in Hesse.

The state government is trying to break the fourth wave with a number of other measures. The first level of the nationwide 2G rule applies from a hospitalization value of 3 (currently it is 4.8 in Hesse). For bars, discos and brothels, however, the 2G-Plus rule already applies from this value onwards due to the particular risk of infection. This means that vaccinated and convalescent people must also present a daily negative rapid test. The 2G rule applies in hotels, but those who have to stay overnight for work reasons can use the 3G rule with daily tests. Hairdressers are considered to be basic providers. The 2G rule does not apply to them, but a mask must be worn.

In the schools, the prevention weeks will continue until the Christmas holidays and the students will be tested three times a week as before.

The 3G rule applies at universities, academies and extracurricular educational institutions.

The mask requirement is expanded and also applies to the seats in schools, universities, cinemas, theaters and at events.

In the catering trade, the mask can still be removed from the seat.

Customers of so-called body-hugging services must wear an FFP2 mask.

Bundeswehr asked for support

At events with more than 25 people and in the cultural sector, 2G will in future only apply in closed rooms with distance and mask. Permission must be obtained for large indoor events with more than 1000 participants. At public festivals and other events there should be spot checks to see whether the regulations are being adhered to. In addition, the state government recommends vaccinated and convalescent people to test themselves before private meetings. The catering industry has the option of voluntarily using a 2G-Plus model. Then the guests who have been vaccinated or recovered and were able to show a negative test can do without a mask and distance.

As already announced, Bouffier wants to greatly expand the controls of the police.

"We do this because we have to protect people and take precautions to ensure that the rules are adhered to," said the Prime Minister.

The state government has also asked the Bundeswehr for support again.

The soldiers are supposed to support the districts and cities in tracking contacts, setting up vaccination stations and also in old people's homes.

Bouffier ruled out a general ban on Christmas markets.

There should be a mask requirement where it gets tight.