Starting 4 May, you are required to wear a 'daily-use' mask or scarf to cover your nose and mouth when shopping or using public transportation (trains, trams and buses). This also applies to museums, exhibits, galleries, castle visits, memorial sites, zoos, public gardens, parks and similar places/businesses.
This applies to all of North Rhine-Westphalia and is in addition to current regulations. Note, you are not required to wear hospital-grade masks. Keep in mind that these higher-grade masks are in short supply and are needed for medical personnel and those who are required to wear one by their doctor.
More details can be found here.
Social distancing (1,5 m between people) is still in effect as well as other restrictions. Until otherwise notified by the authorities, please do not get together in groups, no parties, even if neither you nor your friends have any symptoms. Keep in mind that there are laws in place that are being monitored and enforced by the police; penalties can be quite high.
We also strongly advise you to follow the measures proposed by the World Health Organization and to regularly keep yourself informed about the governmental measures in Germany, e.g. through the website of the German Federal Ministry of Health (if you struggle to find or understand information, please ask your buddy or the Incomings Team). Note that everyone needs to adopt social distancing practices and limit in-person contact as much as possible.
We know that this can be isolating and can get lonely but as much as this is to protect yourself, it is to protect those around you – and we are positive that this is only temporary, thus better times will come.