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On the first day of the new partial lockdown, Chancellor Merkel encouraged the Germans and appealed to their common sense: if the spread of the virus can be slowed down in the coming weeks, there could be a “bearable December”.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has been campaigning for the closure of November, which began on Monday, and which the government decided “with heavy hearts, but also conviction.” “We have to go back to a region with 50 infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days,” Merkel said, explaining the extensive closures and restrictions on daily life. The corona pandemic is manageable up to this value because contacts can be traced.
The current 7-day incidence is 127.8. “This is a natural disaster that we have to deal with,” Merkel said. “I can understand disgust and disgust, but I have yet to promote acceptance.” She is optimistic that the vast majority of Germans get it too. “We depend a lot on the large number of people who participate and be sensible,” Merkel appealed. “Whether this great joint effort will bring something in the month of November depends not only on the rules, but also on whether these rules are followed. Everyone has it in their hands to make this November a success.”
“The virus punishes the lack of enthusiasm,” he said about the rigor of the confinement. “That means, for four weeks, doing without many things that make life beautiful.” The closure could be “a breakwater in this second wave.” Referring to Corona’s numbers in Israel, Merkel said: “There is no doubt that the restrictions will also produce results.” Ideally, citizens should avoid three out of four social contacts to achieve the desired success.
It is not normal from December
On November 16, he wanted to consult again with the prime ministers of the federal states if the decisions taken are sufficient or if more measures are necessary. “We will try everything politically to keep it limited to November,” Merkel said. “I don’t want to speculate on November 30 today,” he said on the question of what December will be like. “On December 1, normality will not return as we knew it before Corona.”
If it were possible to curb the spread of the virus in Germany in the next four weeks, this would create the conditions for a “bearable December” with crown rules, but also with more freedom. “It will be a Christmas under Corona’s conditions, but it shouldn’t be a lonely Christmas,” Merkel said, mentioning, among other things, options for voluntary pre-quarantine. “I don’t think there are big, lavish New Year’s Eve celebrations.”
Merkel explained that the ordered closures also result from the fact that the mainstream economic life, schools and kindergartens must remain open as long as possible. “But if all these contacts are essential, others must be restricted,” Merkel said. He also downplayed the fact that until now bars and restaurants have hardly been considered places of infection. “There are not as many weddings, celebrations and parties as infected people at the moment.”
“Anyone who tells me, ‘You closed in the wrong place’ should tell me exactly where else we should close,” Merkel said, defending her course. If the economy continues, Germany can afford compensation for the industries that are now affected. “Overcoming the pandemic is the best thing for the economy,” Merkel said. When balancing daycare and schools or restaurants and concerts, the latter are inferior.
Between frustration and hope
The chancellor promised the club’s restaurateurs and operators: “No one will be left alone with their loss of income this month.” Hygiene precautions taken by employers “would still be very valuable” in the future. But only if the virus is under control, these hygiene measures can also have their effect. “Culture makes” a sacrifice for society as a whole, as do restaurants, bars and clubs, “he said, stating,” We are not doing that with pleasure. “
On the demand for better protection of risk groups, Merkel said with a view to the many over 60s in Germany. “It is not possible to do the shopping service for 30 or 40 percent of society, so to speak.” Merkel rejected criticism of the lack of voice in the Bundestag: “The Bundestag is already well integrated,” she said. “The fact that we now have a general epidemiological situation that has been approved by the German Bundestag.”
At several points, he emphasized his understanding of the growing frustration: “People are a bit disappointed, and I can understand that, that the whole thing is going on for so long,” Merkel said. “This is a very, very difficult time.”
But there are also glimpses of hope: “In contrast to spring, we also have some bright spots,” he said, referring to more protective material, new rapid tests and better drugs. “We also have a prospect of vaccines that can be approved in the coming months.” Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn informed the cabinet that during this time “between two and three million people in Germany get colds every week,” Merkel said. That also makes testing difficult.
