How do you reopen the economy after coronavirus? German experts have a plan
The Ifo report suggests the country should now create a national task force of experts and public representatives that would make recommendations on how to ease restrictions on work and public life, and when industries should restart production. Going back to work would be voluntary for employees.
Industries such as telecommunications and auto production that add the most value to the economy should be prioritized, the report says, while work that can easily be done from home should continue to be done remotely. Nurseries and schools would open relatively quickly, because young people rarely have severe symptoms and parents cannot work if child care facilities and schools remain closed.
Link to IFO report here (see pg. 13 for ref to higher ed)
When and how will Germany's lockdown measures end?
“Schools and other educational institutions could initially be reopened regionally. There could be strict controls put in place at school entrances, with options for Covid-19 tests in some cases.
The paper states that special task forces should be set up to prepare for the opening of specific areas of life such as schools or universities. These task forces should also develop rules of conduct.”
Scientific Experts Release Proposals for Loosening the Lockdown
In her final public appearance before the Easter holidays, Chancellor Angela Merkel stated very clearly which scientific advice she intends to consider in steering further action in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. "For me, a very important study will be that of the National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina,”… At universities, the academy recommends that the summer semester should be completed "largely as an online/home-learning semester.”
Germany's coronavirus lockdown exit plans: What happens now?
Schools in the country have been closed for a month now. But experts say it's nearly time to get kids back in the classroom…Universities and colleges would conduct the summer semesters digitally, as much as possible.
Link to Leopoldina Report (In German)
English Translation of Earlier Leopoldina containment recommendations:
[A] gradual relaxation of the restrictions should go hand in hand with the general use of mouth and nose protection. This applies to the entire public space, amongst others in companies, educational institutions, and in local and long-distance public transport.
Coronavirus: How Will Things Continue for Students After 20 April and When Will Universities Reopen?
After a conference call with the heads of the federal states, Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced an extension of contact restrictions in the fight against COVID-19. These restrictions will be extended until May 3. This means that face-to-face teaching in German universities will not begin on 20 April. Schools and universities are set to switch back to in-person classes starting May 4, after the contact restrictions are waived.
Germany lights hundreds of candles to form a giant cross in memory of over 4,000 coronavirus victims as it declares Covid-19 is 'under control' - but new cases rise by highest for six days
The Academy of Sciences Leopoldina suggests that children could return to school in classes of no more than 15 at a time in order to enforce social distancing. Nicknamed the 'Merkel whisperers', the panel of experts have called for a 'gradual resumption of economic and social activity' as the epidemic eases. …
However, universities and other higher education institutions should stick to online teaching for the summer term, the experts advise. RKI chief Wieler said there were 'no major differences' between his view of the situation and the Academy's, apart from 'small details' such as which age groups should return to school first.
A nitty-gritty look at Germany's loosened coronavirus lockdown rules
Before announcing the new strategy, Merkel had a long conference call with the premiers of Germany's 16 federal states, as state governments are responsible for their own departments of education and health…Schools must also present proposals for how they plan to adhere to strict hygiene and distancing rules.
As coronavirus lockdowns ease, this is how other countries are gradually reopening schools
Normal school operations in Germany will gradually restart through phased reopenings as of 4 May. This process will start with the oldest primary school children and students set to graduate or take exams.
Lifting coronavirus lockdowns could ‘reignite’ disease as WHO warns it will ‘be with us a long time’
And Germany has already reopened a number of non-essential shops after the country saw a drop in deaths. … Schools remain largely closed but classes about to graduate this summer will gradually resume and universities will be allowed to hold exams in a number of weeks.
Corona Updates for Internationals in Germany
The current situation everyone faces in times of the coronavirus raises many questions and concerns. Especially for international students in Germany, about to come to Germany and interested in Germany, it is often difficult to find relevant updates, particularly in English. With this ticker, we try to provide an overview of the most recent information and relevant links in order to add some more transparency to the situation. You will find news chronologically on top while general FAQs and relevant links for further information are provided at the bottom.