Thursday, March 4th, 2021
Summit decides to relax
Merkel: "Spring 2021 will be different from 2020"
There were "tough negotiations," says Chancellor Merkel after a marathon Corona summit between the federal and state governments. But the head of government can announce long-awaited easing of the lockdown. Germany is in a "sensitive phase", but there are now important helpers.
The lockdown to fight the corona pandemic in Germany is basically extended until March 28, but with many opening options depending on the infection situation. Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Ministers of the federal states agreed on this in Berlin. It was an "intensive and very important debate," said Merkel after the nine-hour deliberations. Germany would be on the cusp of a new phase in the pandemic. This should not be taken with carelessness, but with "justified hopes".
In the past few months, the citizens had come through tough conditions together. This is now having an effect, said the Chancellor, and thanked the people. Despite the mutations, the spread of the virus has been curbed to some extent, as shown by the low number of infections compared to other European countries. In everything that is imperfect – and there are some things – Germany has shown strength. That is why steps towards opening have now been agreed, but which Germany should not set back in a pandemic. Because there is still the "danger of a third wave".
"Spring 2021 will be different from a year ago," Merkel continued. Because in contrast to 2020, Germany is further in the fight against pandemics in many ways. This is due to two helpers: the various vaccines and the whole range of tests. The latter made it possible to better control the infection process. And by vaccinating high-risk population groups in nursing homes and old people's homes, as well as the employees there, it has now been possible to make the course of the disease easier in corona outbreaks and to record fewer deaths.
"We are in a very delicate phase," said the CDU politician. That is why the existing AHA + L rules must be "strictly adhered to" despite any loosening and the existing tests. The current phase is associated with many hopes. The resolutions that have now been taken have certainly disappointed hopes. However, the federal and state governments agreed that it would be worse if easing had to be withdrawn.
The agreed easing includes, among other things, that from next Monday private gatherings of one's own household with another household will be possible again – limited to a maximum of five people. Children up to 14 years are not included. In addition, there are various opening steps based on the incidence of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week. For example, the retail sector is also allowed to reopen regionally subject to certain conditions.
.