The southern German states of Bavaria and Saxony have announced that they are cancelling their annual Christmas markets
The state of Bavaria has also imposed a lockdown on all districts that have a seven-day COVID incidence rate of over 1,000 per 100,000 people.
Söder said there will be a “de facto lockdown” for those who choose not to accept the new Covid-19 vaccination by implementing the “2G” rule across the state – referring to the shorthand in Germany for a rule that allows freedoms like access to restaurants and hotels only to those who are either vaccinated or have recovered from COVID.
As per the new rules, those who have chosen not to take the new Covid-19 vaccination will lose access to even places like hairdressers, universities or adult education centres.
To the north of Bavaria, the eastern state of Saxony announced widespread public restrictions which will remain in place at least until December 12.
Christmas markets throughout the state, including one of Germany’s largest in Dresden, have been cancelled.
