Berlin to ban dancing in nightclubs

Starting Wednesday, December 8th, there will be no more dancing in Berlin's infamous clubs.

The decision follows the ruling by the German Government that nightclubs in states where the Covid-19 infection rate exceeds 350 new infections per 100,000 people must close. Currently, the rate in Berlin is at about 361 new infections per 100,000 people.

Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the Senate of Berlin is unable to order the club's closure - leading to the implementation of the Footloose-inspired legislation.

The new restrictions come as Germany faces record-high infection rates, with more than 70,000 cases recorded this past Friday (December 3rd). Clubs have already been forced to close in the state of Bavaria, another area with high infection rates.

Restaurants and bars will also be facing new restrictions affecting capacity and social distancing. The number of people able to attend large events has also been affected by the new legislation, with 5000 people allowed indoors and 10,000 people allowed outdoors.

Germany has a lower than average vaccination rate compared to much of Western Europe, with less than 70% of the population being fully vaccinated.

Clubs in the German capital have been operating at 50% capacity since Saturday, November 25th.

Other countries in Europe are also considering fresh legislation to curb the Fourth wave of the virus. In Ireland, clubs will be shut down again starting tomorrow (December 7th), while hospitality and live events will be operating at 50% capacity.

A number of artists have expressed their frustration against the new regulations, especially given that gigs returned to full capacity and nightclubs reopened a mere six weeks ago.