This New Year’s Eve is also marked by the corona pandemic. This is a particular challenge for the police and fire brigade.
Berlin – Regardless of corona-related restrictions, the police and fire brigade in Berlin are preparing for a challenging New Year’s Eve.
Police President Barbara Slowik emphasized on the RBB-Inforadio that fireworks bans in 56 zones and corona-related collection bans should be enforced. Another focus is on unannounced demonstrations against corona measures. Around 1,600 additional police officers are on duty in the capital on New Year’s Eve, a total of around 2,500.
In the past few weeks you have been able to gain experience with so-called walks, said the police chief. “Through constant presence and a very consistent approach, we were able to keep this absolutely within limits and have not seen any serious violent riots so far. I’m not afraid of that tonight either, ”said Slowik.
Unlike last year, there is no general ban on gatherings, explained police spokesman Thilo Cablitz. According to him, around 60 to 70 people followed a call in the afternoon and protested in Kreuzberg on Moritzplatz against the corona measures. According to the police, a car parade also remained undisturbed. A demonstration by opponents of the corona measures was registered at Alexanderplatz for the late evening.
Assembly and fireworks ban in 53 locations
According to the Corona protective measures of the Senate, assemblies and fireworks are prohibited at 53 locations in Berlin, including Potsdamer Platz and Breitscheidplatz. There are also three no-pyro zones, in which it is forbidden to bring fireworks. This includes Alexanderplatz and the areas around Schöneberger Pallasstraße.
In the accident hospital in Berlin, a team of emergency doctors as well as accident and hand surgeons prepared for an increased number of patients on New Year’s Eve, as a spokeswoman said.
At the Brandenburg Gate, where Germany’s largest New Year’s Eve party usually takes place, the ZDF is again holding its New Year’s Eve show. The artists perform live in front of a historical backdrop – but without an audience. Instead of a fireworks display, there should be a fireworks display on the stage. The area was cordoned off over a large area, onlookers had little chance of getting near the area. dpa
