People who are unvaccinated are set to be banned from Berlin's Christmas Markets this year after officials approved a strict entry policy to the festive event.
Those looking to attend the festivities will be asked to show proof that they are fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19 under new plans, while those with a negative test could be turned away.
It is the latest example of a two-tier post-Covid society after Austria announced it was considering a lockdown that would only restrict unvaccinated people as cases continue to rise in the country.
People who are unvaccinated are set to be banned from Berlin's Christmas Markets this year after officials approved a strict entry policy to the festive event
The Berlin senate on Tuesday agreed to allow organisers of the German Christmas markets to introduce their own rules to restrict unvaccinated people from attending the events.
Under a strict '2G' model, those over the age of 12 must be double vaccinated or recovered from the virus and would be denied entry even if they have a negative Covid-19 test, reports German newspaper Tagesspiegel.
But organisers of the markets, which return on 22 November, would be able to opt for a less strict '3G' model which would allow unvaccinated people to attend - but only if they show proof of a negative test.
Yet with the more lenient rules, visitors to the Christmas markets in Berlin must wear face masks and social distancing will be enforced.
A number of the German capital's famous Christmas markets - including the WeihnachtsZauber market at Gendarmenmarkt - have confirmed that only vaccinated people over the age of 12, or those who have recovered from Covid, will be allowed entry, reports The Local.
The only exception to the rules is for children under the age of 12, who are currently unable to get vaccinated. But the youngsters will still have to show a negatives test - although children under the age of 6 will not have to provide proof.
The move is the latest example of countries in Europe banning unvaccinated people from public events.
Last week, Austria's Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced that the country is considering a Covid-19 lockdown which
