The local regulations allow for Mindspace workplaces to operate as usual, which means that Mindspace is available and open 24/7. All of our spaces have strict preventative measures in place. We are ensuring that there are regular deep cleanings of all sites including; door handles, lift buttons and all common areas. Extra soap and hand sanitizers are in all of the common areas and are monitored and regularly refilled. Members of the Mindspace team are on-site and are happy to assist with any needs you may have!

Please note that masks need to be worn at all times when moving around the office space, in any common area, such as lifts, kitchens and lounges. The mask can be removed when working at a desk. Take note of the rules in your own Mindspace office.

Guests and visitors need to sign an information sheet when entering the space. This information will be destroyed after 14 days.

Please adhere to the government’s regulations given out to further slow down the spread of the Coronavirus. The most important regulations are the following:

• Since the infection rates are not improving, the government has decided on an emergency break that comes into effect starting with an incidence rate of 100 infections. A new set of restrictions (including a night curfew) come into place when a certain region is surpassing these set limits. Details can be found on the government website.

• Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus must immediately go into isolation and avoid all contact with persons outside the household.

• Practice social distancing, keep at least 1.5m distance between you and other people

• It is now mandatory to a FFP2 mask on public transport and on 23 streets and in all open and public areas on the office spaces in Berlin. Fines of 50 EUR have been introduced for those who do not wear masks.

• For Munich: It is mandatory to wear masks on public transport and on 13 streets in all open and public areas in Munich.

• Private gatherings are restricted based on the incidence rate in the area of residence.

• Major events will remain suspended.

• Use of the Corona app is highly recommended.

Refer to the official government website or here in English (Berlin only) for more detailed information on the regulations (in German).

The Federal Ministry of Finance is supporting companies directly with billions of aid packages and there are grants for small businesses, self-employed and freelancers as well as a protection fund for larger companies. Some of the main initiatives include:

• The government-owned promotional bank KfW is providing extensive access to loans. Additional info can be found here.

• Immediate Assistance Programme (Soforthilfeprogramm) to provide grants to small businesses, self-employed individuals and freelancers. These grants are meant to cover rental and leasing expenses, for example. Self-employed persons and companies with up to five employees (full-time equivalents) may receive one-time grants of up to €9,000. Small businesses with up to 10 employees (full-time equivalents) may receive one-time grants of up to €15,000. The grants cover a three-month period. Applications for these grants must be filed with the government of the Land where the person or business is resident. For further information please click here. The second phase of this program has started in October. More information can be found here.

• Short-time work scheme (Kurzarbeit) - Companies that experience work shortages of over 10% as a result of the coronavirus crisis can apply to join the short-time work scheme (Kurzarbeit), which provides compensation to employees at these firms. The benefit is also available to temporary/agency workers. Under the short-time work scheme, employees whose working hours are reduced generally receive 60% of the shortfall in their standardised net wages. This increases to 67% for households with at least one child. Access to this benefit is being granted with retroactive effect from 1 March 2020. The social insurance contributions that employers have to pay when they are using the short-time work scheme are reimbursed in full. Applications are filed by employers and must be submitted to the Federal Employment Agency. Kurzarbeit can be implemented until December 31st 2021.

• Who to approach to receive financial assistance:

  • Applications to join the short-time work scheme (Kurzarbeit) are filed by employers and must be submitted to the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit). More information can be found here.

  • Applications for a loan from KfW’s package of measures must be filed via your bank or another financing partner

  • Applications for tax deferments must be filed with your local tax office (Finanzamt)

  • Applications for child supplements for low-income families (Kinderzuschlag) must be filed with the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)

  • Applications for basic benefits for jobseekers (Grundsicherung für Arbeitssuchende) must be filed with your local job centre

  • Grants for self-employed persons and micro businesses must be filed with the designated Bundesland authorities

• Liquidity assistance from the City of Berlin - for companies with their headquarters in Berlin and that have been on the market for at least 3 years. The application can only be made online.

  • Loans up to EUR 0,5 million, in duly justified exceptional cases up to EUR 2,5 million with a duration of 2 years.

  • Rescue aid up to EUR 0,5 million may be granted interest-free.