Table 2 Seven non-drug intervention policies in Germany

1

Feb 27

Establishing the Novel Coronavirus Crisis Command

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior announced the establishment of a federal-level epidemic response headquarters, and developed a series of prevention and control measures based on the assessment of the German Federal Center for Disease Control.

2

Feb 28

Postponing or cancelling public events

From March to early April, nearly 10 major fairs cancelled or postponed, religious groups banned worship activities, and many professional sports events cancelled.

3

Mar 2

Raising the level of risk assessment for COVID-19

On 2 March, the Robert Koch Institute announced that the risk assessment on the health of the German population for COVID-19 was raised from “low to medium” to “medium”, and on 17 March, the risk assessment level was raised to “high”.

4

Mar 4

Initiating a medical emergency plan

The federal government and the state government reached an agreement to double the number of intensive care beds as soon as possible and called on hospitals to increase the number of beds.

5

Mar 12

Closing schools

Schools and childcare facilities were closed, and the government issued recommendations for social isolation.

6

Mar 15

Controlling the import of overseas cases

The government strengthened border controls and no longer allowed travel through Germany. The EU imposed a 30-day limit on entry for non-EU countries’ citizens.

7

Mar 22

Promulgating the no-contact protocol

The federal government and the state government reached a no-contact protocol: people are required to maintain at least 1.5 m away from each other. It is forbidden to hold large-scale gatherings and carnivals in public places and private apartments.