Wednesday February 10, 2021
Lockdown extended to March 7th
Merkel: period until mid-March "existential"
The lockdown to combat the pandemic, which is limited to mid-February, will largely be extended to March 7. Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of state government agreed on this at their crisis summit. The main reason for this is the increasing spread of corona mutations.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned of a third wave in the Corona crisis. The reason is the different variants of the virus, said Merkel after consultations with the prime minister. Therefore, one must continue to be careful. The mutation is a "reality". It is increasing, the question is how fast.
The lockdown, which is limited to mid-February, is therefore to be extended largely until March 7. An exception are hairdressers, who are allowed to open again on March 1st if they strictly adhere to hygiene requirements. The opening of schools and daycare centers is not regulated uniformly nationwide, but is left to the discretion of the individual countries. In their decision, the federal and state governments refer to the virus mutations that spread particularly quickly. This required considerable additional efforts to reduce the number of infections again. "Therefore, the contact restrictions must basically be maintained in the next few weeks."
Merkel said the measures imposed had an effect. The number of new infections has fallen. "We can also be very satisfied," said the Chancellor. But there are the virus variants. A third wave is looming that must be fought. This can happen all the better, the more the infection numbers go down and health authorities are able to trace contacts of infected people.
Avoid wave movement
The existing other resolutions such as the closure of a large part of the retail trade, restaurants, pubs, museums and theaters are to remain in force for the time being. Everything should be done so as not to "wave up and down, up and down," said Merkel. When opening measures, it must be carefully observed which step means what for the development of the number of cases. With a view to possible further opening steps, perspectives are important, said Merkel. But one has to live with the fact that the future cannot be predicted. The mark intended for easing of a stable level of no more than 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days could be achieved. This is "within reach", explained the Chancellor.
For schools and daycare centers, the resolution states that this area should be the first to be reopened gradually. "Within the framework of their cultural sovereignty, the federal states will decide on the gradual return to face-to-face teaching and the expansion of child day care." More rapid tests should bring more safety in classrooms and daycare centers. In addition, the health ministers were commissioned to check whether teachers and educators can be vaccinated earlier than previously planned. Merkel had pointed out that educators in particular had no way of maintaining the necessary distances, according to participants.
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