This guide explains the Coronavirus situation in Berlin. It is updated at least once a day, when there is new information.

Coronavirus restrictions in Berlin

Changes on February 14:

On February 11, the Berlin senate voted on changes to the restriction. These changes are effective from February 14:

  • The lockdown is extended until March 7
  • From February 22, schools will start to reopen, starting with grades 1 to 3.
  • From February 22, Kitas can take more children for emergency care (Notbetreuung). They can take 60% of their capacity, instead of 50%.
  • From February 22, libraries can loan books again.
  • From March 1, hair salons can reopen.
  • You can now drink alcohol in public. You still can't drink alcohol in parks and green spaces. You can't buy alcohol between 23:00 and 6:00.

New restrictions on January 24:

In Berlin, new restrictions begin on Sunday, January 24. These are the planned restrictions:

  • The lockdown is extended until February 14
  • Schools and Kitas stay closed until February 14. The rules about emergency care (Notbetreuung) will be stricter. Only parents with these essential jobs can send their children to the Kita1. Schools stay completely closed1.
  • N95, FFP2 or surgical masks are required in stores, in public transportation, during religious services, and during any gathering1, 2. Fabric masks are not enough.
  • Libraries are closed until February 141
  • A new directive will force employers to let employees work from home when possible. The details are not yet decided1.
  • Commercial events are limited to 20 people indoors, and 50 people outdoors. The previous limit was 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors.

There will be more details in a few days, when the new directive (Verordnung) is published.

15 kilometre travel restriction

After January 161, if there are over 200 infections per 100,000 residents, you can't travel more than 15 kilometres from Berlin1.

If the infections return below 200 per 100,000 for more than 7 days1, 2, the 15 km rule is cancelled.

If the 15 km rule is active, you can still leave1 the 15 km zone...

  • ...to do your job
  • ...to attend school1
  • ...to visit a doctor
  • ...to go to a court or administrative (Ausländerbehörde, Bürgeramt) appointment
  • ...to take care of your dependents
  • ...to get medical help
  • ...to take care of to your weekend home (Datsche)1

You can't leave the 15 km zone1...

  • ...to visit family and friends
  • ...to go shopping
  • ...to go to church or attend religious services
  • ...to do sports or exercise in the forest1
  • ...to go to the airport, unless it's an international flight or an emergency1, 2

If the infections go above 200 per 100,000, Catholic religious services will also be cancelled1. It's a decision from the Church, not a rule.

Remember: even without this rule, you can only leave your home if you have a good reason§2.3.

Related links:

New restrictions on January 10:

These restrictions are in place since January 10:

  • Movement restrictions
    You can only leave your home if you have a good reason§2.3. After January 16, if Berlin has more than 200 infections per 100,000 residents, you can't travel more than 15 kilometres from the city limits1.
  • Meeting limits
    Private meetings are limited to 2 people from 2 different households1. This does not apply to religious services1. There is an exception for single parents: they can bring their children under 12 years old with them§2.4.
  • Extra leave for parents
    Parents will get an extra 10 days leave to take care of their children1. Single parents will get an extra 20 days.
  • Schools and Kitas
    Schools will slowly reopen. Regular classes will resume in January. Kitas stay closed, except for emergency services. Berliner Zeitung has more information.
  • Driving schools
    Driving schools must close. They can't offer lessons.

New restrictions on December 16

Since December 16, there are new restrictions in Berlin1, 2, 3, 4, 5. These restrictions will last until January 31. These are the new restrictions:

  • Schools
    Schools must close. Online lessons can be offered.
  • Businesses
    Most stores must close until January 311:
    • Services like hair salons, cosmetic studios, nail salons, tattoo shops and massage parlours must also close1.
    • Hardware stores must also close, unlike last Spring1.
    • Christmas markets, flea markets and Glühwein kiosks must close1, 2.
    • Essential businesses can stay open1, 2:
      • Supermarkets, drink and tobacco stores
      • Pharmacies and drug stores
      • Opticians and audiologists
      • Book and stationery shops
      • Pet stores
      • Post and delivery services
      • Christmas tree kiosks
      • Bike repair shops and car mechanics
      • Wholesale distributors
    • "Click and collect" is still allowed1. You can order something online, and pick it up at the store.
    • The open Sunday (verkaufsoffener Sonntag) on December 20 is cancelled1.
  • Kitas
    Children should stay at home, instead of going to the Kita1.
  • Alcohol
    Drinking alcohol in public is forbidden1.
  • Religion
    Religious services are still allowed1.
  • Going out
    You can't leave your house without a reason1. You can still leave your house for certain reasons:
    • To buy groceries
    • To go to a doctor appointment
    • To to a government office appointment (for example at the Bürgeramt or Ausländerbehörde)
    • To visit a spouse or a life partner
    • To take care of children or pets, or to walk your dog
    • To take care of a garden
    • To get exercise. You can only do exercise alone, or with one other person1
    • To attend religious services

The full list of restrictions is on Berlin.de.

Full list of restrictions

These resources are not always up-to-date. The official resources are updated very slowly. The German version is updated first, and the English version a few days later.

Travel restrictions in Berlin and Germany

Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. It's not a good time to visit Berlin. Tourism is forbidden1, §7. Restaurants and bars only offer take-out1, 2. Theatres, amusement parks and cinemas are closed1. Most stores are closed.

    Quarantine requirements in Berlin

    The quarantine rules are different for each borough (Bezirk), and the rules change every few days. You must look at the quarantine requirements for your borough. If you do not understand the rules, call the coronavirus hotline or contact your local Gesundheitsamt.

    Official page on Berlin.de ➞

    Schools and Kitas

    Schools will slowly reopen in January, and regular classes will start in February. Kitas are currently closed, except for emergency situations1.

    Information from Berliner Zeitung (in English) ➞

    Coronavirus tests in Berlin

    You can get tested for coronavirus in many locations. There are PCR tests that take a few days (0-150€), and rapid antigen tests that only take a few minutes (25-75€).

    Coronavirus testing information for Berlin ➞

    Coronavirus vaccine in Berlin

    A coronavirus vaccine is coming in early 2021. Around 360 000 Berliners will get the vaccine before April. People over 80 years old, nursing home personnel and healthcare workers will get the priority.

    Coronavirus vaccine information for Berlin ➞

    Corona hotlines for Berlin

    If you have coronavirus symptoms, or questions about getting tested, call one of the coronavirus hotlines.

    • Coronavirus hotline for all of Berlin
      Every day from 8:00 to 20:00
      030 / 9028 2828
      The hotline is open from 8:00 to 20:00. The phone number is +49 30 9028 2828. The phone menu is in German, but they speak English1. The line is very busy1, 2, 3, 4. You might need to call dozens of times. They can only give you information. They can't give you a test appointment.
    • Vaccine hotline for all of Berlin
      030 / 9028 2200
    • Medical call service (ärztliche Bereitschaftsdienst)
      116 117      , or +49 116 117
      They can answer your questions, and help you get tested1. The line is very busy1. They also have a coronavirus test appointment service on their website. The phone menu is in German. Press "1" for Coronavirus information, then wait until the phone rings.
    • Emergency services
      If you have serious symptoms, and you need medical help, call the emergency number: 112.

    You can also call your local Gesundheitsamt:

      Contact tracing app in Germany

      Germany has a contact tracing app. It's called Corona-Warn-App. It shows you if you have been in contact with infected people. It's very easy to use.

      If you can't install the app, change your app store country to Germany (Android instructions, iOS instructions). On Android, you can also create a new Google account for Germany. The Google Play Store lets you use multiple Google accounts.