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This Thursday it was reported that the number of deaths in Germany since the start of the pandemic due to the COVID-19 coronavirus infection exceeded 15,000.
Germany was relatively successful in coping with the first wave of coronavirus, but the incidence of COVID-19 increased dramatically in the fall.
The number of COVID-19 patients treated in intensive care units in the country has risen from more than 360 in early October to more than 3,500 last week.
The most populous region of North Rhine-Westphalia accounts for a quarter of all infections and in Bavaria 198,000. In Berlin, 62,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since the start of the pandemic.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced earlier this week that the country will extend the current restrictions on the coronavirus until early January, unless, as is unlikely, the spread of the virus is drastically stopped.
The restrictions will continue “initially until December 20, but we believe that … due to the very high frequency of infections, the restrictions will have to apply until early January,” Merkel said.
This means that restaurants, bars, sports and cultural establishments will continue to function in Europe’s largest economy, but schools and shops will continue to function.
Starting December 1, only up to five people from two households will be able to attend private meetings. Currently, up to 10 people can attend such meetings. However, there is an exception to the new rule: it does not apply to children.
During the holidays, from December 23 to January 1, the rules for gatherings will be slightly more lenient, allowing gatherings for up to 10 adults and not limiting the number of children under 14 years of age.
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