Cities' Association Expresses Concern Over loose Holiday Regulations
In a statement to Handelsblatt, Gerd Landsberg, the managing director, has suggested that additional restrictions may be necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19, particularly in regions with high infection numbers.
While Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a region with lower infection numbers, does not seem to require stricter measures according to Landsberg's statements, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities is reconsidering the easing of contact restrictions over Christmas and New Year due to persistently high COVID-19 infection numbers in other regions.
In contrast, nearby Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia has significantly more new COVID-19 infections. Many districts and city districts in Germany have exceeded the critical incidence value of more than 200 new infections. In Münster, a city within North Rhine-Westphalia, there were 3 new COVID-19 infections reported on September 10, 2025, with a 7-day incidence of 4.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Information on Bielefeld's current COVID-19 numbers was not found in the search results.
If the current measures do not show sufficient effect, Landsberg proposed several additional restrictions. These include alternating classes in schools for older students, distance learning, limiting the number of people from two households who can still meet, a strengthened mask requirement, and limiting social gatherings.
However, Landsberg did not suggest any new additional restrictions for regions with lower infection numbers such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In this region, the incidence value of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week is largely adhered to or even undershot.
It is important to note that the current COVID-19 measures in place since December 1st are not specific to any particular region. These measures, which include contact restrictions and mask requirements, are in place across almost all federal states in Germany.
There are significant differences in COVID-19 infection numbers within federal states in Germany. While some regions, such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, have lower infection numbers, others, like North Rhine-Westphalia, are experiencing higher numbers. As the pandemic continues, it is crucial to monitor these numbers closely and adjust measures as necessary to protect public health.
