The country will extend its current lockdown as the nation grapples with increasing infections amid a third wave of the coronavirus.
What We Know:
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Tuesday the nation would remain under lockdown until April 18th. She urged citizens to stay indoors, calling for churches to hold Easter services online. Except for supermarkets, most stores will remain closed as well.
- The announcement comes after German leaders had set plans in motion for an easing of restrictions early in March. Facing a sharp increase in infections and a slow rollout of the vaccine, hospitals could soon become overwhelmed. Citing the British covid variant as the cause, Merkel stated, “we face a new virus of the same kind but with very different characteristics. More deadly, more infectious, and infectious for longer.”
- European nations have struggled with getting their citizens vaccinated. Germany, along with several other nations, paused and then resumed administering the AstraZeneca vaccine after blood clots’ reports surfaced. A recent study by the company determined the shot was 79% effective across all age groups.
- However, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen threatened to block the AstraZeneca vaccines from being exported. She noted issues of mistrust and rampant supply problems. Merkel supported her by saying, “we have a problem with AstraZeneca.”
- The German Chancellor has called the country’s vaccination efforts “a race against time.” Around 9% of Germans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to Reuters. Although the country has been under lockdown for several weeks, “there is very clearly light at the end of the tunnel,” said Merkel.
Despite the lockdown and against the advice of leaders, citizens will still be able to travel abroad for the holidays. All passengers into Germany will be tested prior to entry.
