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Band Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) urges great caution with the planned easing of the crown lock. Otherwise, you see Germany slide into a great third wave of infections. The reason is the spread of new virus variants.
Due to the rampant spread of coronavirus mutants in several neighboring countries, Germany tightened entry rules and at times ordered stationary border controls. As of Sunday, no more travelers from the Czech Republic, Tyrol in Austria and Slovakia can be transported to Germany.
Merkel said in a ZDF interview on Friday: “Now it is up to us and smart initial steps whether we can overcome the pandemic without a big third wave, or if we are too careless and then maybe we have case numbers rising again.” The opening of schools and nurseries planned by the federal states is “a bold step.” But he also sees the great importance of these areas. If hairdressers could reopen on March 1, this would be “more contacts to watch out for.”
Merkel explained why hitting the mark of 35 new infections per 100,000 residents agreed upon by the federal and state governments in seven days would not be a license for large-scale relaxation. The 35 is a “precautionary number” for the first protective measures. If you don’t reach it, you can think about bigger opening steps again. But after an initial step, you have to wait 14 days for the next step. Only without a new increase in cases “can you take the next step”.
Retail trade in Germany is scheduled to reopen in regions where the value has fallen below 35. No opening dates yet for higher grade schools, vocational schools and universities, cinemas, theaters, group sports , restaurants, pubs and hotels. “So we have to decide politically which opening steps of which thread we want to be next,” Merkel announced.
After the Czech Republic and Tyrol, the federal government classified Slovakia as an area with particularly dangerous virus mutations. This means that airlines and bus and train companies can no longer transport passengers from these countries to Germany. The exceptions are German citizens and foreigners living in Germany.
Merkel also had too high hopes for the launch of corona vaccines in Germany, but she soon expected a significant increase in vaccine quantities. “There is a disappointment,” he said. Perhaps this also has to do with the fact that “we have not sufficiently pointed out that the vaccine is not available to everyone at first.” Very large vaccination centers had been built and the expectation was there. He also found it fascinating that there was even a vaccine after less than a year. This is “a great achievement” that one could not wait for.
By late March and early April, vaccination centers would be full, the Chancellor said with a view to the next deliveries. “We will have a hard time doing everything wrong.” The first weeks were short, some would have expected otherwise.
Merkel once again defended the common European approach to the procurement of vaccines and rejected criticism for the lack of financial commitment. “It doesn’t seem like we were stingy to me.” The deciding factor now is what can be produced in how many plants in Europe. Germany is fine with the new factory of the manufacturer Biontech in Marburg.
