Easter greetings from the Lord Mayor and Head of Department

Dear people of Jena,
Dear people of Jena,

Thank you very much for your solidarity this week. None of us is used to wearing a face mask when shopping or on the bus. You have mastered this challenge in no time at all. The vast majority are complying with the new rules. With so much positive willingness, we will overcome this crisis together. We are very confident about that.

This Easter is different

Spring is showing its best side these days. Easter promises sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. These are tempting prospects. We would love to celebrate with the whole family, meet up with neighbors or friends for a barbecue or go on an Easter hike together - as we do every year.

Unfortunately, that's not possible. We have to accept that contact will remain limited at Easter. We can wave to our neighbors over the fence, put off our friends until later and talk to our grandparents at length on the phone. We know that it's not the same. We all find it incredibly difficult to give up cherished habits and family traditions on such important holidays as Easter. However, it would be fatal if we were to slacken our efforts against the spread of the coronavirus now.

Do not take any risks

We therefore urgently appeal to you not to gather in groups today and on the next two Easter holidays, not even outdoors outside the city. The virus can be transmitted just as easily at a picnic in the forest as at a barbecue on the banks of the Saale. Celebrate in your families with relatives who live in the same household and don't take any risks. There are many things we can still enjoy - reading a good book, doing arts and crafts with the children, listening to an Easter concert at home. Of course you can set up the barbecue in your own garden and enjoy a sausage or grilled vegetables - only this time without guests. We are all experiencing Easter in a completely different way than planned this year.

Travel is also not recommended during the holidays. Easter visits can cause a new wave of infections and accelerate the spread of the virus, even if this happens unintentionally. Therefore, do not put your loved ones at risk! Do not inadvertently spread the virus to grandma and grandpa or to other families. We trust in your personal responsibility as a family.

Enjoy the beautiful weather

Of course, you shouldn't miss out on the Easter walk. Enjoy the beautiful weather and get out into nature. The sun's rays strengthen our immune system and exercise is good for us. Easter egg hunts are also much more fun in the forest than at home. You don't need to wear a face mask when hiking or cycling. Just let the wind blow around your nose and enjoy the sprouting greenery. However, you should also observe social distancing rules outdoors. Safe is safe!

We are counting on you

The coronavirus statistics in Jena are encouraging: the virus has been spreading a little more slowly for a few days now. However, this should not tempt us to act recklessly. We must continue to contain the infections as best we can. To do this, we need a lot of patience. We have taken swift measures in Jena. We are proud that we have been able to implement these together with all of you and continue to count on you.

We wish you a happy Easter! Take care of each other and stay healthy!

Dr. Thomas Nitzsche | Christian Gerlitz | Benjamin Koppe | Eberhard Hertzsch