German fireworks-makers say ban due to COVID is catastrophic for industry

3/12/2021 8:00

        Germany's decision to ban fireworks on New Year's Eve for the second year in a row to avoid crowds in the pandemic is "catastrophic" for manufacturers
        and means the loss of 3,000 jobs, the fireworks-makers association said on Thursday.
        
        Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor Olaf Scholz agreed with leaders of Germany's 16 states to bar the unvaccinated from access to all but the most essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and bakeries.
        
        The measures, which are meant to break a surge in daily coronavirus infections exacerbated by the discovery of the Omicron strain, also include steps to pass legislation in the national parliament to make vaccination mandatory.