Corona pandemic: Current information and offers of help from the city of Chemnitz

Mayor Barbara Ludwig informed the Chemnitz media this lunchtime about the current status of the coronavirus pandemic in Chemnitz and the various support services provided by the city.

Mayor Barbara Ludwig: "I would like to thank everyone in Chemnitz for their level-headed behaviour and for accepting and respecting the measures and rules. But despite the massive restrictions, they are also making the most of the scope they have in their private lives, including going out into the fresh air. The more we adhere to the new rules of social distancing, the faster we can help to interrupt the spread of the virus.

I also have respect for the German government. I welcome the resolutions passed yesterday by the Bundestag and Bundesrat in terms of speed, content and determination. The city administration will be available from next week with advice and, if necessary, action to utilise the support options offered by the federal government."

For its part, the city administration is doing the following for citizens who need support now:

Reminders and enforcement are suspended until 31 May (amended following the decision of 21 April 2020) (exception only if the statute of limitations is imminent). However, this does not apply to administrative offences.
Trade tax can be deferred on application and the advance payment can also be reduced on application.(The form for this is available at www.chemnitz.de)
The same applies to amusement tax.
In the case of sports clubs, rents and leases to the city that would jeopardise their existence can be deferred or waived. All user fees are cancelled at the time of closure of the facility.
The following applies to welfare and youth welfare organisations: Where the City of Chemnitz has contracts with them to fulfil tasks, but the provision of the service is currently not possible due to the restrictions, 70 percent of these services are still financed by the city.
Daycare centre fees are also waived for parents who are currently using emergency care for their children. The Free State of Saxony has named other so-called system-relevant occupational groups that are entitled to this care. The City of Chemnitz can implement this without any problems.
Cultural sector:
- Institutional funding for organisations and associations remains in place, even if no offers are currently possible.
- Project funding will also remain in place, even if the respective project cannot currently be realised.
- For cultural creators and the creative industries, we hope that the federal aid for solo self-employed people, among others, will help to bridge the first few weeks.

Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig: "The measures listed here mean a loss of income and additional expenditure for the city over the next few weeks. This is also an act of solidarity, because it is the citizens' money that we are distributing differently or not collecting. I ask for your understanding.

As you all know, we have never had to deal with a situation like this before. We will discuss further decisions with the City Council's Council of Elders or, if necessary, decide at a City Council meeting in April."

Current figures / information on the corona outpatient clinic

As of midday today, 59 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Chemnitz. Around 2,700 people are in home isolation. Chemnitz residents who wish to be tested at the coronavirus outpatient clinic are asked by the public health department to use the entire opening hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including lunchtime and afternoon hours. In the past few days, there has been a higher rush, especially in the morning, which should be avoided if possible. People tested there will be placed in home isolation for 14 days (from the first appearance of symptoms).

People who test positive will receive a call from the public health department with the results within three days.

All information is available at:
www.chemnitz.de/coronavirus