Germany extends the lockdown on Tuesday through April 18 marked a reversal earlier this month when heads of state agreed to begin a thoughtful reopening process. Lockdown extended by three weeks and forced an almost complete postponement of the Easter holiday in response to the third wave of coronavirus infections. Restrictions will tighter from April 1-5, when most shops closed and gatherings restricted.
Chancellor Angela Merkel said after talks with regional leaders that Germany was now in a “very serious” situation.
Meanwhile, the French president wants “morning, noon and night” vaccinations.
Read more: In a day France recorded more than 35000 cases of COVID-19
Emmanuel Macron has responded to an increase in intensive care cases and an “explosion” warning on hospital wards.
Vaccination amounts by population
Why Germany enforced the strictest restrictions
“We basically have a new virus,” Chancellor Merkel said after marathon talks with the heads of state and government of Germany’s 16 federal states. The highly contagious British (Kent) variant of the coronavirus has become dominant in Germany, he said, putting the country into a “new pandemic”.
It’s much more deadly, much more contagious, and lasts longer to be contagious. Germany is competing to determine the timing of its coronavirus vaccinations, he added.
On Easter from April 1, the Germans asked to stay at home for five days and cut contact.
Private worship services eliminated
Large family gatherings prohibited and no more than two households or up to five people can meet
All shops closed except grocery stores on Saturday, April 3rd.
The infection rate in Germany has risen to more than 100 per 100,000 population. 7,485 other infections and 250 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. Emergency brakes are no longer being opened in areas where more than 100 new cases per 100,000 people occur in seven days.
How European countries dealing with the COVID?
Coronavirus infections have risen in parts of Europe in recent weeks as countries struggle to vaccinate their populations despite delays in sting release.
