"The ordinance will come into force on 16 December 2020 and will initially apply until the end of 10 January 2021," it said. The Senate had agreed on Sunday to largely adopt the federal-state agreement reached earlier and to further shut down public life from Wednesday.

Most shops as well as hairdressers and beauty salons will have to close. Grocery shops, weekly markets, bookstores, pharmacies, drugstores, opticians, acousticians, petrol stations, car and bicycle repair shops and banks are still allowed to open.

Schools close as early as Wednesday. From 16 to 18 December and from 4 to 8 January, pupils are to learn at home, guided by teachers who are still on duty. In Kitas, there is to be only "emergency provision" for parents who cannot look after their children at home.

For private meetings, the following still applies: maximum five people from two households plus children. At Christmas, five people are allowed to meet people from five households plus children. People are only to leave their homes for important reasons: for shopping, visits to the authorities, doctor's appointments, caring for relatives, walking the dog or sport. Sport is only allowed alone or with another person at a distance.

The sale of alcohol for immediate drinking in glasses or cups and the drinking of alcohol in public outdoors are prohibited. The sale of fireworks is prohibited. From 31 December at 2 pm until New Year's Day at 6 am, the sale of alcohol is completely prohibited. Demonstrations are also not permitted.