Experts believe the fourth wave of COVID-19 will be hitting Germany hard due to its low vaccination case. Here’s how banning the sale of fireworks will help in preventing the spread of the virus.
Germany bans the sale of fireworks
This year, the new year’s celebration in Germany is very low-key due to the threat of the pandemic. The fourth wave of COVID-19 is expected to hit the nation hard, due to the low vaccination rate. For the second year in a row, lawmakers in the nation are imposing a strict ban on the ban of fireworks sales. The move comes in addition to several post-holiday restrictions with the rise of the omicron variant. “It’s clear to all of us: the pandemic is not over. I appeal to all of you: let yourself be vaccinated,” states Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor.
Amidst the ban on fireworks, some Germans are undeterred. Several people are resorting to going across the border and purchasing firecrackers from Polish factories and shops. Burning fireworks on Sylvester, New year’s eve is an age-old German tradition. Usually, thousands of Germans can be seen coming into the streets and launching fireworks as the clock strikes 12. According to a report by The Guardian, around $226 million is spent on the purchase of firecrackers for personal use every year.
Here’s how fireworks and COVID-19 are connected
Currently, the country is facing a highly aggressive fourth wave. However, the minister of health is also warning of a “massive fifth wave”. German officials imposed a ban on the sale of fireworks to ensure that the number of large gatherings reduces. The ban on the sale of fireworks is also helping ensure that the hospitals are not overburdened. Officials fear that fireworks-related accidents on New Year’s may add extra stress on the health system. In addition to this, the government also announced several restrictions to ensure the virus is not spread. Unvaccinated people across all 16 German states are banned from entering essential businesses.
Unfortunately, according to the German fireworks-makers association, the ban is resulting in the loss of over 3,000 jobs. The Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry (VPI) believes the move is panic-driven. Several Germans were seen crossing the border to buy them in Poland and the manufacturers association threatened legal action. However, a recent YouGov survey also revealed that around 66 per cent of citizens favoured the ban. Over the last few years, animal rights and environmental activists are pushed towards a ban on fireworks.