On Tuesday, the city recorded a 7-day incidence of 42.5 Covid-19 infections per 100,000 residents in seven days – below the threshold of 50.

Hamburg, which brought in ’emergency brake’ measures including a curfew ahead of many other parts of Germany, has seen a huge drop in cases in recent weeks.

The 7-day incidence has fallen below the 50 mark for the first time since mid-October 2020, cementing it as one of the regions in Germany with the lowest number of Covid infections.

Mayor of the Hanseatic city, Peter Tschentscher, said outdoor dining in cafes, restaurants and beer gardens will be allowed from Saturday, and non-essential shops will be allowed to open with some restrictions. Originally, the reopening of restaurants was planned for June.

What are the new rules?

For retailers, there will be a limit on the number of customers allowed in a shop, while shoppers must also submit their personal data for contact tracking.

Shoppers do not have to show a negative Covid-19 test as long as the incidence value remains stable below 50. In other parts of Germany where the 7-day incidence remains below 100 Covid cases per 100,000 but above 50, a negative Covid test is mandatory for non-essential shops.

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The same applies to outdoor catering, where a maximum of five people from two households can sit at one table. Unlike in most other parts of Germany beginning to open up, negative coronavirus tests are not required as long as the 7-day incidence remains stable at below 50.

Furthermore, so-called personal body services, such as beauty salons, and practical driving lessons will be possible again. However, negative coronavirus tests are needed for these services. 

Outdoor swimming pools will also open again with requirements, including negative Covid tests. And up to 20 children can play outdoor sports, while up to 10 adults can play non-contact group sports outdoors.

According to the step-by-step opening plan of the Hamburg government, five people from a maximum of two households will be allowed to meet and socialise from the weekend onwards.

Meanwhile, the mandatory mask requirement in Hamburg’s parks and green spaces will no longer be required. Masks will only be mandatory in areas where a minimum distance can’t be maintained.

Tschentscher said outdoor cultural and sporting events can also take place with fixed seats, an appointment booking, contact tracing and mandatory testing, with a limit of 250 people.

And on May 28th, theatre shows and concerts will be allowed to reopen if Covid numbers remain low.

The city state has taken one of the toughest lines in the Covid-19 pandemic compared to other parts of Germany, with mayor Tschentsher opting for a cautious approach.