Because of the coronavirus crisis Cologne forbids gatherings of more than two people

Cologne/Leverkusen · The city of Cologne will no longer tolerate gatherings of three or more people. Families are excluded. Leverkusen has also announced tougher measures in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.

 Cologne’s Lord Mayor Henriette Reker.

Cologne’s Lord Mayor Henriette Reker.

Foto: dpa/Marius Becker

"Meetings of more than two people outside the immediate family will no longer be tolerated, this will be subject to increased controls". This was announced by the city of Cologne on Friday afternoon. In the fight against the spread of the coronavirus, the city of Cologne is now cracking down more aggressively. The public order office will increase its controls over the weekend and break up gatherings with more than two people. In Bonn, the limit of ten people still applies.

Leverkusen is taking an even tougher stance. As a result of the corona crisis, people there are no longer allowed to meet outdoors, with a few exceptions. According to a city ordinance, "gatherings of two or more people in the open air" are prohibited.

Exceptions are groups who live together, for example families or flat-sharing communities. Also excluded are the times when people might come together "when running errands to cover daily needs" - for example in waiting rooms - or for "compelling professional reasons". "Leverkusen has not imposed a curfew," emphasized a city spokeswoman. The WDR had previously reported it.

Despite all measures to contain the novel coronavirus, curfews are still possible in North Rhine-Westphalia. "It is up to each individual to prevent curfews," said State Premier Armin Laschet (CDU) on Thursday.

On Thursday, the city of Freiburg had issued a so-called ban on entering pubic spaces due to the corona pandemic. It is to apply to all public places from this Saturday until April 3. Those who want to spend time outside are only allowed to do so alone, in pairs or with people who live in their own household, the city said.

(Orig text: ga/dpa / Translation: Carol Kloeppel)

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