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Germany is heading towards a generalized “lockdown”, possibly as early as Monday, as measures to curb the coronavirus pandemic implemented since November 2 have not yet had the desired results.
The number of cases today reached 30,000, while a record was registered in deaths related to Covid-19, which reached 598.
On Sunday morning, in an extraordinary teleconference of Chancellor Angela Merkel with the prime ministers of L κραnder, the functioning of the market and schools is expected to be judged for the near future, with local governments now targeting one after another even unilateral containment measures, putting the second wave of the pandemic at risk of spiraling out of control. “We have to go to an immediate and stricter closure.” It is the only possibility that we can regain control of the situation, “Interior Minister Horst Seehofer warned dramatically.
The Prime Minister of Saxony, Michael Kretsmer (CDU), has openly stated that “completely different, completely clear and authoritarian measures are needed”, since, according to himself, the people “do not understand the state of the country”. He even revealed that he continues to receive messages from citizens asking for relaxation of holiday restrictions. “Social life must stop,” he said, warning of the now visible danger that the country’s hospitals would be overloaded.
Kindergartens, kindergartens, schools and retail stores will be closed in Saxony from Monday, at least until January 10. In addition, citizens will be prohibited from traffic from 22:00 to 6:00 and for 24 hours at a distance of more than 15 kilometers from their residence. “These measures are unfortunately unavoidable, if we want doctors and nurses to do their work in quality conditions and no longer in a state of total overload,” said Mr. Kretsmer.
North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Armin Lasset demanded the absolute closure of the entire country before Christmas, who, however, defended the initial plan of partial relaxation of the measures from December 20 to January 2. “I don’t know of anyone who told us eight weeks ago to go to a universal lockdown,” Lassett said, adding that initially there was an idea that Christmas could be a little different. “The estimate that a partial lockout would be sufficient, unfortunately, was not verified and that is why this decision (for the generalized lockdown) is necessary for me.” Clearly, tomorrow faster and better, “he said characteristically.
The Bremen government also decided today to lift the relaxation of announced restrictions for holidays, announcing that meetings can only take place between five people, without taking into account those under 14 years of age. “We must prevent an overload of the healthcare system,” said Mayor Andreas Boffensulte (SPD) after an emergency Senate meeting.
Schools will remain open until December 23, but the presence of students will not be mandatory from Monday, while the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited, which mainly refers to the distribution of traditional mulled wine (Glühwein).
The state of Brandenburg is also planning drastic measures to curb the operation of shops, prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public places and even prohibit citizens from moving.
“Baden-Württemberg will impose traffic restrictions from tomorrow, and Prime Minister Winfried Kretzmann (Greens) will announce that between 20:00 and 5:00 citizens will leave the house only for a substantial reason.”
Absolutely against any relaxation on New Year’s Eve was the professor of epidemiology and head of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for health, Karl Lauterbach. “We have nothing to celebrate this year.” Thousands of people in hospitals are struggling to breathe, “he said. He even explained that if the restrictions go into effect on December 21, it is completely unrealistic to limit cases below 50 for every 100,000 inhabitants by January 10.
According to Der Spiegel magazine, the next blockade will likely last much longer. Tomorrow’s issue is titled “Winter Failures” and criticizes the political order of the country, the federal government and the states, for “falling asleep” in September and limiting themselves to limited measures.
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