Nuremberg goes into holiday season lockdown
The tougher lockdown is expected to stay in place until at least January 10. However, health officials have warned that the measures could extend into the spring months.
Despite a loosening of restrictions between December 24-26, Health Minister Jens Spahn has called on the public to reduce contact with other people, including over the holidays.
Some officials have suggested meeting with families over video chat for Christmas, rather than hosting in-person meetings.
Celebrating Christmas despite COVID
The Frauenkirche church in Dresden
Dresden s Frauenkirche church is regarded worldwide as a symbol of reconciliation. It was rebuilt after its destruction in World War II with donations from all over the world. Since 1993, when the altar was uncovered in the ruins, an open-air vesper has been held on December 23 most recently with 18,000 people. This year there will only be a live stream from the church without any attendance.
A minute silence was held to remember each victim of the attack by an ISIS fanatic who ploughed a lorry into Berlin s Breitscheidplatz Christmas market four years ago.
The bells of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church rang 12 times for each of the 12 victims at 8:02pm, the time of the attack in 2016, on Saturday.
People lit candles and laid flowers at the church throughout the day and some survivors of the attack also came to remember those who lost their life.
People lit candles and laid flowers at the church throughout the day and some survivors of the attack also came to remember those who lost their life four years ago
Celebrating Christmas despite COVID
Things will be quieter than usual in Germany s churches this Christmas. The festive concerts have been cancelled, but the Christmas services will be taking place under coronavirus restrictions.
The Frauenkirche church in Dresden
Dresden s Frauenkirche church is regarded worldwide as a symbol of reconciliation. It was rebuilt after its destruction in World War II with donations from all over the world. Since 1993, when the altar was uncovered in the ruins, an open-air vesper has been held on December 23 most recently with 18,000 people. This year there will only be a live stream from the church without any attendance.