Pressure intensifies on those who remain unvaccinated from both national and regional government bodies
In Germany, the decision on a general vaccination requirement is set to be made "soon" by the Bundestag, based on group applications, likely in February 2022. This decision comes as part of a broader framework agreed upon in November 2021, which outlines restrictions based on hospitalization incidence rates.
Under this framework, when hospitalization incidence exceeds 3 per 100,000, venues operate under the "2G" rule (vaccinated or recovered only). This rule applies to cinemas, theaters, and restaurants, among other cultural and leisure facilities and events. When the incidence exceeds 6 per 100,000, "2G+" rules apply, which require not only vaccination or recovery but also a negative test.
Stricter measures such as contact restrictions are introduced when hospitalization incidence exceeds 9 per 100,000. Large events will initially be significantly restricted, and clubs and discotheques in indoor areas will be closed in areas with more than 350 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days.
Unvaccinated individuals will face strict contact restrictions, and access to retail stores will be limited to vaccinated and recovered individuals, with exceptions for stores selling essential goods. Private gatherings will be limited to the household and a maximum of two persons from another household, excluding children under 14 years.
A new measure announced for New Year's Eve is a fireworks ban, which is a separate measure from the ongoing 2G rule. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the designated successor of Angela Merkel, has pushed for an accelerated vaccination campaign, and the federal government plans to introduce an institution-specific vaccination requirement.
Merkel has called for an "act of national solidarity" as the country navigates the ongoing pandemic. It is important to note that, as of August 2025, there are no specific new corona restrictions explicitly targeting unvaccinated people recently reported for Germany. The most detailed update about pandemic measures relates to the general framework agreed in November 2021.
In conclusion, Germany's COVID-19 measures are based on hospitalization incidence thresholds, with the 2G rule applying to many cultural and leisure facilities and events. The federal government is pushing for a vaccination requirement, and new measures such as a fireworks ban on New Year's Eve have been announced. The Bundestag is set to vote on a general vaccination requirement in February 2022.
Other countries may look to Germany's workplace-wellness policies surrounding COVID-19 measures as a model for their health-and-wellness strategies. Mental-health professionals may analyze the impact of these policies on the general population's mental health.
Politics and policy-and-legislation experts will likely discuss the factors influencing the Bundestag's decision on the general vaccination requirement, as this decision could set a precedent for future policy decisions related to war-and-conflicts or other public health threats.
As these policies evolve, general-news outlets will cover updates on the pandemic measures and their effectiveness, as well as any potential changes or additions to the framework.
In the broader context of science, researchers may investigate the long-term effects of these measures on various aspects of society, including economic stability, individual freedoms, and public health.
