Visitors to hospitals; old people's and nursing homes as well as facilities for the disabled are only allowed if they are vaccinated; recovered or tested with an antigen rapid test (max. 24 hours old) or PCR test (max. 48 hours old) (3G rule). ; 18/11/2021 All visitors to retirement and nursing homes and employees must submit a negative test certificate every day. This also applies to those who have been vaccinated.

On May 6 2020 ; the Chancellor announced lockdown rollback for the coming weeks. While contact restrictions of 1.5 meters were extended until 5 June; the federal government and the states agreed that members of two households (two families; two couples or the members of two shared flats) may meet again. Different sources say that this starts 11/05. Gatherings of more than 2 persons; with the exception of families and hosuehold members are banned in all states.

Institutions and facilities that can be allocated to recreational activities are closed. These include fitness studios. Leisure and amateur sports will also be discontinued - with the exception of individual sports alone; in pairs or with your own household. Professional sports events can only take place without spectators. The measures were extended until 10 January 2021. On 5th January it was decided to further extend these measures to the 31st January. On 19th January the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. On 10th February it was decided that the current lockdown will be extended until 7th March. The leisure and amateur sports operations on and in all public and private sports facilities; incl. swimming pools have been not allowed since November 2nd. Fitness studios and similar facilities must also remain closed.

On 13th December the federal and state governments decided to close between 16th December and 10th January non-essential shops with the exception of grocery stores; open-air food markets; direct marketers of food products; food collection; and delivery services; beverage shops; health food shops; specialist baby shops; pharmacies; medical supply stores; drugstores; opticians; hearing aid shops; petrol stations; garages; bicycle workshops; banks and savings banks; post offices; dry cleaning services; launderettes; newsagents; pet supply shops; animal feed shops; the sale of Christmas trees and wholesalers. ; On 05/01/2021 it was decided that the measures will be extended from the 10th to 31st January. ; On 19/01/2021 the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. ; On 10/02/2021 it was decided that the current lockdown will be extended until 7th March; with the exception that hair salons may open on 1st March already. Further opening steps can be carried out by the federal states with a stable 7-day incidence of no more than 35 per 100;000 inhabitants. This affects the retail trade; museums; and galleries as well as closed body-close service companies.

The federal government published guidelines for the Bundeslaender which seem to be legally responsible to put these measures in place. To be closed for the public -all other retail outlets not mentioned elsewhere in this paper; in particular outlet centres Joana: I am a bit confused why this entry was marked as voluntary. From 20.4. a lot of federal states will allow shop up to 800m2 as well as book shops; car and bike shops independent of the size to open.

Private gatherings in public or private spaces attended by non-vaccinated and non-recovered people should be limited to one household as well as a maximum of two people from another household. Children up to the age of 14 are exempt from this. ; 28/12/2021 Private gatherings of vaccinated and recovered people are only allowed with a maximum of 10 people. Children up to 14 years of age are excluded from this. ; 17/02/2022 Limitations in private gatherings do not exist if all participants are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. With the presence of at least one unvaccinated individual; the previous restrictions should apply. Restrictions exist up to 19/03/2022.

All citizens are urged to limit contact with other people outside of their own household to an absolutely necessary minimum. The stay in public places is only permitted with members of your own household or one other household; but is restricted to a maximum of 10 people. Citizens are asked to generally refrain from unnecessary private trips and visits - including from relatives. This also applies in Germany and for national day-trip excursions.; 25/11/2020: the German Federal Chancellor and the heads of government of the federal states have decided to restrict the gathering restrictions to a maximum of 5 people (of two households). Children under the age of 14 years are exempt from this.; 23/12/2020: during the Christmas holidays; meeting restrictions were slightly lifted. Meetings with close family and friends up to a maximum of 10 people are allowed (also from more than 2 households). Children up to 14 years of age are exempt from this. The individual regulations can be found on the website of your federal state. As an extension of the previous measures; private gatherings are only permitted with members of your own household and with a maximum of one other person not living in the household. This was decided on January 5th by the Federal and regional governments.; 8/03/2020: it was decided that from March 8; private gatherings between ones own household and another household are possible. In total; no more than five people may come together. In regions with a 7-day incidence of less than 35; the own household may come together with two other households. However; no more than ten people are allowed to meet. Children up to the age of 14 are not counted; couples count as one household. This also applies to being in public.

Private gatherings in public or private spaces attended by non-vaccinated and non-recovered people should be limited to one household as well as a maximum of two people from another household. Children up to the age of 14 are exempt from this. ; 28/12/2021 Private gatherings of vaccinated and recovered people are only allowed with a maximum of 10 people. Children up to 14 years of age are excluded from this. ; 17/02/2022 Limitations in private gatherings do not exist if all participants are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. With the presence of at least one unvaccinated individual; the previous restrictions should apply. Restrictions exist up to 19/03/2022.

On 3/03/2021 it was decided that museums and galleries can reopen with a stable 7-day incidence of a maximum of 50 new infections per 100;000 inhabitants. The federal states decide on the opening steps. The aim is to avoid transnational trips from neighbouring areas with higher incidences to visit the museums or galleries that are open. ; 23/08/2021: Indoor events are only allowed to vaccinated; recovered or tested people with an antigen rapid test (max. 24 hours old) or PCR test (max. 48 hours old) (3G rule). The federal and state governments have agreed on opening steps for cinemas and theatres from March 22 at the earliest; given that incidence rates are low in the area. Regulations differ between regions and cities; but in some places cinemas; theatres and concerns can open/take place again. ; 18/11/2021 If the threshold value of the hospitalization rate of 3 is exceeded; each federal state can decide on the local measures to be applied. ; 2/12/2021 In cultural events the max. number of participants is 5;000 indoors and 15;000 outdoors (2G rules --> vaccinated or recovered). In case of more than 350 new infections per 100;000 entertainment venues will be closed. Sports events are held without spectators. ; 21/12/2021 Additionally to the COVID-19 certificate of vaccination or infection; individuals should also provide a negative test (2GPlus). ; 28/12/2021 Clubs; discos; and dance events are not allowed. National events which will take place for the period of holidays will have no spectators. ; 07/01/2022 The 2G rule applies again; meaning that for access to cultural and entertainment facilities only a COVID-19 certificate of vaccination or infection is required. ; 4/03/2022 Discotheques and clubs are open to those who have recovered and those who have been vaccinated (2G-Plus). The 2G-Plus also applies to national major events including sports. Indoors; maximum occupancy of 60 percent of the respective maximum capacity is permitted; whereby the number of 6;000 spectators should not be exceeded. For outdoor events; a maximum occupancy rate of 75 percent is permitted; but the number of 25;000 spectators should not be exceeded.

On 23/04/2021 Germany implemented changes to the Infection Protection Act. The act says that gastronomy and hotels; leisure; and cultural facilities are to close when the 7-day incidence is over 100 per 100 000. Since the implementation of the German Infection Protection Act; response measures are dependent on incidence rates and vary between regions and cities. In many places; restaurants have started with opening their outdoor catering; and now in multiple places; indoor catering is allowed again as well. ;23/08/2021: Indoor tables are only allowed to vaccinated; recovered; or tested people with an antigen rapid test (max. 24 hours old) or PCR test (max. 48 hours old) (3G rule); 18/11/2021 If the threshold value of the hospitalization rate of 3 is exceeded; each federal state can decide on the local measures to be applied. ; 07/01/2022 Access to restaurants; cafes; bars; and pubs is still limited to vaccinated and recovered; but a negative test or proof of vaccination with the booster dose is mandatory (2GPlus). ; 4/03/2022 Access to gastronomy is allowed to those who are vaccinated; recovered and people with daily tests should be made possible (3G regulation).

Private gatherings in public or private spaces attended by non-vaccinated and non-recovered people should be limited to one household as well as a maximum of two people from another household. Children up to the age of 14 are exempt from this. ; 28/12/2021 Private gatherings of vaccinated and recovered people are only allowed with a maximum of 10 people. Children up to 14 years of age are excluded from this. ; 17/02/2022 Limitations in private gatherings do not exist if all participants are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. With the presence of at least one unvaccinated individual; the previous restrictions should apply. Restrictions exist up to 19/03/2022

Multiple federal states in Germany (e.g. Bremen; Schleswig-Holstein; Lower Saxony) have implemented a social bubble system ('Kohortenprinzip') in schools to lower the risk of transmission after the re-opening of schools. This involves that the contact of children in the school setting is reduced (e.g. by separating classes).; 10/02/2022: The cohort principle will apply again at primary schools and support centers (primarily in the primary sector).; 21/03/2022: The previously so-called cohort principle is abolished.

All federal states implemented regulations to wear (non-medical) face masks; mostly starting as of 27.4.2020 (partly earlier). With exception of the federal state of Berlin; this is applied to public transport and at retail in all states; in Berlin the regulation applies to public transport; and there is a recommendation for retail (but no mandatory regulation). From 29.4. also mandatory in Berlin. On 14 October the government together with the federal states agreed on the following: In places with a 7-day incidence of 35 per 100 000 inhabitants or higher; mask use shall be mandatory in public places where many people meet more densely and/or longer. When the incidence exceeds 50 per 100 000 inhabitants mandatory mask use can be extended to other places.

On 3/03/2021 it was decided that museums and galleries can reopen with a stable 7-day incidence of a maximum of 50 new infections per 100;000 inhabitants. The federal states decide on the opening steps. The aim is to avoid transnational trips from neighbouring areas with higher incidences to visit the museums or galleries that are open. ; 23/08/2021: Indoor events are only allowed to vaccinated; recovered or tested people with an antigen rapid test (max. 24 hours old) or PCR test (max. 48 hours old) (3G rule). The federal and state governments have agreed on opening steps for cinemas and theatres from March 22 at the earliest; given that incidence rates are low in the area. Regulations differ between regions and cities; but in some places cinemas; theatres and concerns can open/take place again. ; 18/11/2021 If the threshold value of the hospitalization rate of 3 is exceeded; each federal state can decide on the local measures to be applied. ; 2/12/2021 In cultural events the max. number of participants is 5;000 indoors and 15;000 outdoors (2G rules --> vaccinated or recovered). In case of more than 350 new infections per 100;000 entertainment venues will be closed. Sports events are held without spectators. ; 21/12/2021 Additionally to the COVID-19 certificate of vaccination or infection; individuals should also provide a negative test (2GPlus). ; 28/12/2021 Clubs; discos; and dance events are not allowed. National events which will take place for the period of holidays will have no spectators. ; 07/01/2022 The 2G rule applies again; meaning that for access to cultural and entertainment facilities only a COVID-19 certificate of vaccination or infection is required. ; 4/03/2022 Discotheques and clubs are open to those who have recovered and those who have been vaccinated (2G-Plus). The 2G-Plus also applies to national major events including sports. Indoors; maximum occupancy of 60 percent of the respective maximum capacity is permitted; whereby the number of 6;000 spectators should not be exceeded. For outdoor events; a maximum occupancy rate of 75 percent is permitted; but the number of 25;000 spectators should not be exceeded.

From 8/03/2021 more relaxations were introduced. For instance; book shops; flower shops; gardening markets are allowed to reopen with restricting the number of customers and requiring to have a good hygiene concept. Following low incidence rates; non-essential shops have re-opened in many places; though certain measures still apply. ; 2/12/2021 The 2G rule applies nationwide regardless of the incidence of COVID-19 cases. Hence; only those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered have access to shops; except those of daily needs. ; 21/12/2021 Additionally to the COVID-19 certificate of vaccination or infection; individuals should also provide a negative test (2GPlus). ; 07/01/2022 The 2G rule applies again; meaning that for access to cultural and entertainment facilities only a COVID-19 certificate of vaccination or a certificate of the previous infection is required. ; 17/02/2022 Access to retail is again possible nationwide for all citizens without controls. However; at least medical masks must continue to be worn. The use of FFP2 masks is recommended unless required by state law.

On 23/04/2021 Germany implemented changes to the Infection Protection Act. The act says that gastronomy and hotels; leisure; and cultural facilities are to close when the 7-day incidence is over 100 per 100 000. Since the implementation of the German Infection Protection Act; response measures are dependent on incidence rates and vary between regions and cities. In many places; restaurants have started with opening their outdoor catering; and now in multiple places; indoor catering is allowed again as well. ;23/08/2021: Indoor tables are only allowed to vaccinated; recovered; or tested people with an antigen rapid test (max. 24 hours old) or PCR test (max. 48 hours old) (3G rule); 18/11/2021 If the threshold value of the hospitalization rate of 3 is exceeded; each federal state can decide on the local measures to be applied. ; 07/01/2022 Access to restaurants; cafes; bars; and pubs is still limited to vaccinated and recovered; but a negative test or proof of vaccination with the booster dose is mandatory (2GPlus). ; 4/03/2022 Access to gastronomy is allowed to those who are vaccinated; recovered and people with daily tests should be made possible (3G regulation).

Private gatherings in public or private spaces attended by non-vaccinated and non-recovered people should be limited to one household as well as a maximum of two people from another household. Children up to the age of 14 are exempt from this. ; 28/12/2021 Private gatherings of vaccinated and recovered people are only allowed with a maximum of 10 people. Children up to 14 years of age are excluded from this. ; 17/02/2022 Limitations in private gatherings do not exist if all participants are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. With the presence of at least one unvaccinated individual; the previous restrictions should apply.

Visitors to hospitals; old people's and nursing homes as well as facilities for the disabled are only allowed if they are vaccinated; recovered or tested with an antigen rapid test (max. 24 hours old) or PCR test (max. 48 hours old) (3G rule). ; 18/11/2021 All visitors to retirement and nursing homes and employees must submit a negative test certificate every day. This also applies to those who have been vaccinated.

All citizens are urged to limit contact with other people outside of their own household to an absolutely necessary minimum. The stay in public places is only permitted with members of your own household or one other household; but is restricted to a maximum of 10 people. Citizens are asked to generally refrain from unnecessary private trips and visits - including from relatives. This also applies in Germany and for national day-trip excursions. On November 25th the German Federal Chancellor and the heads of government of the federal states have decided to restrict the gathering restrictions to a maximum of 5 people (of two households). Children under the age of 14 years are exempt from this. From December 23 to January 1; during the Christmas holidays; meeting restrictions were slightly lifted. Meetings with close family and friends up to a maximum of 10 people are allowed (also from more than 2 households). Children up to 14 years of age are exempt from this. The individual regulations can be found on the website of your federal state. As an extension of the previous measures; private gatherings are only permitted with members of your own household and with a maximum of one other person not living in the household. This was decided on January 5th by the Federal and regional governments. On 3rd March it was decided that from March 8; private gatherings between ones own household and another household are possible. In total; no more than five people may come together. In regions with a 7-day incidence of less than 35; the own household may come together with two other households. However; no more than ten people are allowed to meet. Children up to the age of 14 are not counted; couples count as one household. This also applies to being in public.

Services in churches; synagogues and mosques; as well as meetings of other faith groups are only permissible under the following conditions: the minimum distance of 1.5 meters is maintained; a mask is required also when seated and the community singing is prohibited. For services in which a high visitor number is expected a registration requirement is to be introduced. On 5th January it was decided that the measures will be extended from the 10th to 31st January. On 19th January the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. On 10th February it was decided that the lock down will be extended until the 7th March. Generally; on 3rd March ministers extended the general measures until the 28th March. On 22nd March measures have been extended until 18 April. On 23rd April the new Infection Protection Act came into force.

Several federal states have implemented a 'Beherbergungsverbot' (ban on accommodation) for people coming from areas with a 7-day incidence of >=50 per 100 000 inhabitants. Only a negative Corona test would allow people from risk areas to be accommodated. In some federal states (Baden-Württemberg; Lower Saxony and Brandenburg) courts overturned the regulation for the time being. The government in Saarland suspended the ban on accommodation on 16/10; in Saxony and Bavaria it was cancelled with effect from 17/10. Hotels are not allowed to host people for touristic purposes. On 19th January the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. On 10th February it was decided that the current lockdown will be extended until 7th March. The federal and state governments are working on a safe and fair opening strategy in the field of gastronomy and the hotel industry. Generally; measures have been extended until 28th March. It was stated that opening strategies for areas such as hotels will be discussed on 22nd March. On 22nd March measures have been extended until 18 April. Accommodation offered for tourist trips are generally not permitted. The new changes in the Infection Protection Act which came into force 23rd April say that gastronomy and hotels; leisure and cultural facilities are to close when the 7-day incidence is over 100 per 100 000. From mid-May/June hotels are allowed to re-open in many places; though often with limited capacity.

The federal government published guidelines for the Bundeslaender which seem to be legally responsible to put these measures in place. Visiting arrangements for hospitals; preventive and rehabilitation facilities; nursing homes and special forms of housing within the meaning of SGB IX; as well as similar facilities to restrict the visit in the above-mentioned institutions; as well as in universities; schools and kindergartens; unless their operation is completely terminated. On 4 December the government published a press release to enable safe visits to inpatient care facilities. In regions with high incidence rates; evidence of a current negative corona test is required for visitors of elderly and care homes.

End of October Germany's federal government and Länder decided to close restaurants and bars; clubs; discos and pubs again. Takeout and food delivery is excluded. The measures were extended until 10 January 2021. On 5th January it was decided that the measures will further be extended from the 10th to 31st January. On 19th January the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. On 10th February it was decided that the current lockdown will be extended until 7th March. All restaurants; bars; clubs; discos; pubs and similar establishments have been closed since November 2nd. This does not apply to the delivery and collection of food for consumption at home. Consumption on site is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may no longer be consumed in public spaces until March 7; 2021. Violations are fined. The federal and state governments are working on a safe and fair opening strategy in the field of gastronomy and the hotel industry. On 3rd March the measure has been extended till 28 March. The federal and state governments have developed and decided on an opening strategy for the food service sector. This begins with the opening of the outdoor catering at the earliest on March 22nd if incidence rates are low. Until then; all catering establishments as well as bars; clubs; discos; pubs and similar establishments will be closed. During Easter 1-5 April restaurants and bars will remain closed.

On 13th December the federal and state governments decided to close non-essential shops between 16th December and 10th January. On 5th January it was decided that the measures will be extended from the 10th to 31st January. On 19th January the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. On 10th February it was decided that the current lockdown will be extended until 7th March; with the exception that hair salons may open on 1st March already. Further opening steps can be carried out by the federal states with a stable 7-day incidence of no more than 35 per 100;000 inhabitants. This affects the retail trade; museums and galleries as well as closed body-close service companies.

Institutions and facilities that can be allocated to recreational activities are closed. These include fitness studios. Leisure and amateur sports will also be discontinued - with the exception of individual sports alone; in pairs or with your own household. Professional sports events can only take place without spectators. The measures were extended until 10 January 2021. On 5th January it was decided to further extend these measures to the 31st January. On 19th January the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. On 10th February it was decided that the current lockdown will be extended until 7th March. The leisure and amateur sports operations on and in all public and private sports facilities; incl. swimming pools have been not allowed since November 2nd. Fitness studios and similar facilities must also remain closed.

Institutions and facilities that can be allocated to recreational activities have to be closed. These include theatres; concert halls; cinemas and fitness studios. Leisure and amateur sports will also be discontinued - with the exception of individual sports alone; in pairs or with your own household. Professional sports events can only take place without spectators. The measures were extended until 10 January 2021. Service enterprises within the personal/body care sector will also be closed. Medically necessary treatments; such as physiotherapy; are still possible. Hairdresser salons and wholesalers and retailers also remain open but are subject to hygiene requirements. On 5th January it was decided to further extend these measures until the 31st January. On 19th January the Federal state and regional governments decided to extend all measures until 14th February. On 10th February it was decided that the current lockdown will be extended until 7th March; with the exception that hair salons may open on 1st March already. Further opening steps can be carried out by the federal states with a stable 7-day incidence of no more than 35 per 100;000 inhabitants. This affects the retail trade; museums and galleries as well as closed body-close service companies.

On June 17; the heads of the federal states and the chancellor agreed that large events remain banned until the end of October. The ban was previously in place until August 31. Exceptions can be made if contact tracing and compliance with hygiene regulations is ensured at certain events. Further; they decided that schools and kindergartens will take up regular operation after the summer holidays; if possible.

from 01/07/2020 In Bremen 250 people are allowed indoors and 400 people outdoor. In Saxony-Anhalt; bans on contacts will be dropped and recommendations that no more than ten people should meet will come into effect on July 2. Some bans on smaller events will also be relaxed on that day; with private celebrations allowed to have 50 instead of 20 participants and going up to 500 on August 29. The state government plans to evaluate the effectiveness of these relaxations on a month-to-month basis. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania; restrictions on contact in public spaces will be lifted on July 10.

On June 17; the heads of the federal states and the head of the chancellor agree that large events remain banned until the end of October. The ban was previously in place until August 31. Exceptions can be made if contact tracing and compliance with hygiene regulations is ensured at certain events. Further; they decided that schools and kindergartens will take up regular operation after the summer holidays; if possible. On 28 August it was decided to extend this ban until the end of the year.

The Prime Ministers and the Federal Chancellor react to the increasing number of corona infections and decide on new corona measures. In the future; the hotspot strategy is intended to respond to the pandemic in two regional steps. For example; private celebrations can take place in public rooms with a maximum of 50 people if the 7 day incidence rate is 35 new infections per 100;000. From a 7-day incidence of 50 new infections per 100;000 inhabitants; private celebrations can take place in public rooms with a maximum of 25 people. On 14 October the government together with the federal states agreed to restrict friend and family gatherings to 25 people in public places and 15 people at home; if the 7 day incidence is 35/100 000 inhabitants or more in the area. In places where the 7-day incidence is 50+ per 100 000 inhabitants; the gathering restrictions are 10 people in public places and at home (celebrations at home may only consist of people of two different households)

Non-essential shops closure: Open

Restrictive measures mandatory between 14 October 2020 to 31 December 2020

All shops are open under the condition that distance & sanitary measures are respected. End of May/beginning of June in most federal states theaters, cinemas, restaurants, gyms, swimming pools are reopening. In all states restaurants and bars are open (mandatory is registration of people and seating), restrictions to be introduced if the number of new infections reaches 35/100.000 in the last 7 days (see Other below).

Events stop: Partially banned

Restrictive measures mandatory between 14 October 2020 to 31 December 2020

If more than 35 new infections per 100.000 in one week reduction of nb of people who can meet to 25 for public-, 15 for private events. If more than 50 new infections per 100.000 in one week reduction of nb of people who can meet to 10 in public areas and 10 from max 2 housholds in private locations. Number of participants to other events should then also not be >100 (exceptions on request are possible). Big events (>500) are suspended until 31 December.

On May 6 2020 ; the Chancellor announced lockdown rollback for the coming weeks. While contact restrictions of 1.5 meters were extended until 5 June; the federal government and the states agreed that members of two households (two families; two couples or the members of two shared flats) may meet again. Different sources say that this starts 11/05. Gatherings of more than 2 persons; with the exception of families and hosuehold members are banned in all states.

On May 6; the Chancellor announced lockdown rollback for the coming weeks. While contact restrictions of 1.5 meters were extended until 5 June; the federal government and the states agreed that members of two households (two families; two couples or the members of two shared flats) may meet again. Different sources say that this starts 11/05. Gatherings of more than 2 persons; with the exception of families and hosuehold members are banned in all states.

On May 26 2020; the federal government and the federal states agreed that contact restrictions will be extended until 29June. Part of the agreement is that federal states may allow public gatherings of up to 10 people which belong to two households. On May 6; the Chancellor announced lockdown rollback for the coming weeks. While contact restrictions of 1.5 meters were extended until 5 June; the federal government and the states agreed that members of two households (two families; two couples or the members of two shared flats) may meet again (different sources report that this starts 11/05). Gatherings of more than 2 persons; with the exception of families and hosuehold members are banned in all states.

The federal government published guidelines for the Bundeslaender which is legally responsible to put these measures in place. Visiting arrangements for hospitals; preventive and rehabilitation facilities; nursing homes and special forms of housing within the meaning of SGB IX; as well as similar facilities to restrict the visit in the above-mentioned institutions; as well as in universities; schools and kindergartens; unless their operation is completely terminated.

The federal government published guidelines for the Bundeslaender which seem to be legally responsible to put these measures in place. To be closed for the public -all other retail outlets not mentioned elsewhere in this paper; in particular outlet centres Joana: I am a bit confused why this entry was marked as voluntary. From 20.4. a lot of federal states will allow shop up to 800m2 as well as book shops; car and bike shops independent of the size to open.