"We can do the shopping for our older neighbors. We can phone our relatives and perhaps in particular those with whom we rarely speak," Steinmeier emphasized, arguing that German citizens can contribute to the cohesion of the nation in various ways.
Steinmeier proposed that people should buy vouchers from "our favorite shops" that currently have to remain closed and to "order takeaways from our favorite restaurants." Also, German citizens could send cards or letters to their "loved ones in care," while not being allowed to visit them.
The turnover of entrepreneurs in Germany has fallen "drastically overnight" and there is no certainty about when shops and restaurants would be able to open again, warned Eric Schweizer, president of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).
As the livelihoods of many of artists and performers are at "acute risk now," Steinmeier also urged Germans not to ask for refunds for tickets for events that had been canceled.
Last week, the German government decided to provide up to 50 billion euros (54.5 billion U.S. dollars) in federal funding for self-employed persons and small-sized companies, including artists and cultural workers.
The coronavirus crisis "awakens our deepest fears," said Steinmeier. However, it "also brings out the best in us." Steinmeier called on all citizens to show "compassion" and "solidarity."
"If we succeed in doing this together, our society will not fall apart in this crisis. On the contrary, its members will become closer to each other," Steinmeier said, adding that he was "grateful to everyone who is helping."