This video was filmed and produced 17 December 2020.
Videos shot around Alexanderplatz, one of the city's main shopping destinations, one week before Christmas. Under the "hard lockdown" that went into affect on 16th December, all non-essential businesses must remain closed, including most retail stores. Alexanderplatz normally hosts a big Christmas market and would be bustling with tourists and shoppers in an ordinary year.
The new lockdown will run from 16 December to 10 January. A maximum of five people from no more than two households are allowed to gather in a home. But this will be relaxed from 24 to 26 December when one household will be able to invite a maximum of four close family members from other households.
Restaurants, bars and leisure centres have already been closed since November, and some areas of the country had imposed their own lockdowns.

Under the national lockdown, essential shops, such as those selling food, will stay open, as can banks. Outlets selling Christmas trees can also continue trading. Hair salons are among the businesses which must close.

Companies are being urged to allow employees to work from home.