Hi people! I hope you are well.

For many who want to know how the pandemic is here in Berlin, I decided to document what I see on the city streets, how people are protecting themselves and how commerce is gradually returning after almost two months with everything partially closed. The contamination curve has been flattened due to social isolation, and the government has made numerous projections based on the contagion rate - which has now dropped - so as not to overburden the health system. It seems to have worked because Germany is now in a new moment. Since May 6, the country has moved into the second phase of the pandemic, easing restrictions on public life that have been active since mid-March. In the country of 83 million people, more than 140,000 tests are performed daily, and hundreds of people are trained to help health authorities track and break new chains of infection.

How is the government dealing with the crisis?

Chancellor Angela Merkel, at the beginning of the crisis, made her first TV pronouncement in 14 years. She spoke with great responsibility, stating that since the Second World War, no challenge like this had required such a big measure of action and community unity. As the scenario changed, she announced new procedures to the Germans, informing the changes made in the country. However, each head of state makes its own decisions, according to what is needed in each district, since each one is in a different situation.

From January 25 to May 11, Germany accumulated 171,879 cases and 7,569 deaths. The districts of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg reported the highest numbers of cases of the virus. Berlin is the seventh district with more cases, so far there have been 6,267 and 165 deaths.

Here, we had no punishment if we went out on the streets, the lockdown was not so severe, but many people stayed at home and cooperated when it was most needed. About 3 weeks ago, few people were seen on the streets. The police were regularly inspecting, asking for documents, questioning whether people were too far from home and whether the reason for leaving was essential - if it weren't, the penalty could be high.

The population reacted well to the government's stance. Approximately 83% of respondents to a ZDF poll, conducted last Friday, positively rated Merkel's management and 90% of them think the government is doing good management in this pandemic.

In my opinion, everything is very well informed. In addition to official government statements, the media act with great transparency. In general, they fulfil their role without being sensationalist and do not generate panic in the population.

This photo was taken on the Kreuzberg canal in mid-April, before the quarantine got more flexible. It was allowed to leave, but without meeting people from other households. There were fewer people on the streets than today.

Regarding social measures, Berliners can now spend time in public places, in the streets, parks, squares, with members of their own house or up to a maximum of 2 people from another home (until last week only one person was allowed). A minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be maintained. The safety distance increases to 5 meters when people rest on lawns and other green spaces. Museums, galleries, zoos and gardens are already open, but with the same distance and hygiene measures. Last Friday, there was a holiday celebrating the end of the war, it was a sunny day here in Berlin, with many people around the canal, in the parks, on the streets. Even on weekdays, there are many people in public places. In the streets, when walking, people try to keep a certain distance, but it is not always possible. I usually go out 2-3 times a week for a walk, take pictures, walk around the canal, grab a meal, go to a park. It is very liberating to be able to enjoy the day outside, but at the same time, when I see a crowd in front of a place, it gives me a little concern. Is everything getting back to normal too quickly? Are people being careful? Or am I just being paranoid? The question remains...

Restaurants, bars and cafes are open only with take-away or delivery services. Most places have improvised a little window on the door, where customers can order and often consume in front of the place. On May 15th, they will be able to reopen, but following strict hygiene measures and also maintaining the necessary distance between customers. In some markets, you are required to take a cart or basket so that they can control the number of people inside. Many signs and stickers are also seen - pointing out the ideal distance between customers.

This is how some cafes, bars and restaurants are opening, improvising a window, where customers can order. For now, it is only possible to place take away orders or delivery.

Street fairs are also open. There is a lot of movement of people, most of them wearing face protection.

There are many artisans and local brands selling masks from different fabrics. Prices range from € 5 to € 15 (the maximum I've seen so far).

The use of a mask is mandatory inside establishments and in public transport, but on the street it is optional.

Some signs and warnings were placed in front of the establishments to assist the population:

"Before entering the pharmacy, please cover your mouth and nose”

Some places sign very well where the customer can sit and stay. In this case, they could only sit on the gray square, to respect the correct distance.

What happens when a person has symptoms?

On the Berlin district website, they provide a support number that people can call if they experience any symptoms. If necessary, the person is directed to an online consultation with a doctor and possibly referred to a specific place to perform the test. If it is positive, all people who have had contact with it will be tested and tracked.

This official city portal is very explanatory and easy to navigate. The organization is impressive, and how much information they provide with easy access for the population. They display, for example, questions and answers for the most varied doubts related to the pandemic, they advise you what is necessary, by chat or telephone, they show in the city what is open and closed, the current regulations, places of treatment and even statistics.

What I feel, on the street, is that people were so eager to leave the house that they want to enjoy the isolation's flexibility. Traffic during the week was already almost chaotic in some places.

I see many people riding a bicycle, walking, running. I see happy, worried expressions; I see sad faces. It is quite normal to hear someone coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose. I see older people, but on the street what predominates is a younger population. I also observe many families with young children; I see many immigrants and homeless people.

Noisy ambulances sometimes run in the middle of ample avenues. Police I see from time to time, in the places that are most frequented.

In general, Berlin is an incredible city to wander, whether on foot or by bicycle, with varied gastronomy options, artistic programs to attend, good music to listen to, interesting people to meet. Gradually the life of the city is returning, but for now, I contemplate, within my little freedom, the beauty of spring, the sunlight, the fresh air, the noise of birds. I value every second I'm out and take care of myself to the fullest. It is better to return to “normal” - far from being - with great caution because as the government says, we may have a second wave of infections.

I hope you enjoyed what I shared here. Tell me what you think of the post, the photos and please send questions if you have, I will be happy to answer.

For those who are in Brazil (my home country), I send my best energies and I recommend you to stay at home if you can. It is essential to face this with a spirit of unity, with immense community responsibility, thinking of each other and each person we love.

Kisses and be well,