COVID-19 holding the reins

Traveling is still out of discussion. Last year, around this time, we were getting ready for a trip to Toronto and New York City. 
This year, we are stuck at home and another lockdown is to be expected.
 

Would never have thought at the beginning of the 2020, that now, more than seven months later, we are still not able to travel. That we are still worried, anxious, bored and angry, aggravated and depressive. In August and September, there was a glimmer of hope, at least in Europe. Numbers of infected people were considerably dropping, rules loosened. At least, it was possible again to have a beer at a pub again or to meet with (a handful of) friends (in a beergarden). We were thinking about traveling to Rome at the time, but now even a day trip to Munich has become a not-too-funny endeavor.

In October COVID-19 numbers started to skyrocket again. With the change of weather – it became much cooler and rainier – more people stay inside. And, they gather inside in groups, which apparently is the main problem. One day, it's the young people partying, the next day, a religious groups gathering or weddings/family events taking place. For the elderly, it's always the young ones to blame. But, isn't it easier to stay home, watch TV and hoard toilet paper and pasta when you are 70+ than at age 20+?
 Hoarding of goods started again, toilet paper is already limited to one package per person.

As of late, we have a "traffic light system", colors corresponding to a statistical calculation called "Inzidenzquotient". Lights are changing from green to yellow to red, and, new: dark-red. Corresponding to the number of positively tested people in the last 7 days calculated from 100,000 people each city/county is treated differently now. And, I am only talking about Bavaria,,,

In the beginning of the pandemic rules/regulations were mandatory and (mostly) the same for the whole country. Now it's much more confusing IMHO, because just traveling like 5 or 10 mi. may mean you are in/out of a "dangerous zone" and have (not) to wear a mask and can eat out longer. Our hometown Augsburg is currently "dark-red", restaurants close at 9 pm, masks are mandatory everywhere in the city center (there are controls and fines up to 250 Euro). We assume the next stage will be "black" and this would mean going into lockdown. Not only will schools, day cares, restaurants and museums close, people will not be allowed to leave their houses without a good reason. Christmas markets (on the photo below the one in Augsburg) are already cancelled.

 

 

Apparently, human mentality (and stupidity) ask for strict rules, which are not always logical. It's not really conclusive to wear a mask in completely empty parts of the city, just because it's in the designated zone. Also, bikers don't need to wear a mask in the city, pedestrians have to. Theaters have strict restrictions in regard to number of visitors and struggle to survive (same for the artists involved). Just a certain number of people/households (depending on "color of the light") is allowed to meet in the public and at home. But, for soccer players (and some other sports) these rules are not applicable. Soccer is not really a "bodyless" occupation, and, if you look at the stands sometimes (rules are different in each stadium/state), you fully understand why people from other fields of activities get angry. On the other hand, in trains, trams, busses or planes proximity can't be avoided as much as people would love to.

Please, don't misunderstand me, we are cautious and we do wear masks and do not deny that this virus is dangerous, but currently we feel treated like nasty children. Politicians with their unchanged/ unreasonably big income and their large villas (preferably including fitness room, pool, park and lots of space) can easily talk about "stay safe, stay home!"