Cultural institutions in Berlin will be closed until at least mid-January. In a video message on Twitter the Berlin senator for culture, Klaus Lederer, confirmed that current COVID restrictions will remain in place.
However, he added that full reopening, in his opinion, “will take even longer…in view of the still very high number of infections in Berlin, it is unrealistic that cultural activities can start again at the beginning of January.”
Lederer said that current aid payments will continue so long as cultural institutions are closed. At the moment the Berlin Senate has yet to vote on these measures – current restrictions are in place only until 22 December.
In addition, Lederer said that, when the time reopen comes, some institutions may be allowed to open before others. This would be judged based on their ability to comply with hygiene rules.
“There doesn’t have to be one solution for all institutions, because the institutions are also very different,” he commented.”
As it stands, cultural institutions remain closed and private gatherings are limited to five people.