Germany will no longer implement a stricter closure during the Easter holiday period from April 1 to April 5, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Wednesday, calling the plan a mistake and apologizing to citizens, reports the AP.
Why does it matter: This is a quick reversal of part of a plan announced on Tuesday to extend COVID-19 restrictions in Germany for another month, with a tightening of measures over Easter.
- The new restrictions faced public criticism due to the lack of previous public discussion and the breadth of logistical details that remain unanswered in this regard, by AP.
Details: Merkel announced the change in plans after an impromptu call on Wednesday with the governors of Germany’s 16 states, who helped outline the original plan to extend the current blockade until April 18, with an extra tightening of the measures during the London holiday. Easter.
What they are saying: “The idea of a stoppage at Easter was outlined with the best intentions, because we must urgently manage to slow down and reverse the third wave of the pandemic,” said Merkel. “However, the idea … was a mistake.”
- “[O]Of course, I know that this whole issue creates more uncertainties – I deeply regret and apologize to all citizens, ”she said.
The big picture: Last week, German Health Minister Jens Spahn warned that coronavirus cases in the country were increasing at an “exponential rate” and that Germany did not have enough vaccine doses to prevent a third wave of the virus.
- The weekend saw protests against the blockade in several cities in Germany, with 20,000 people filling the streets of the city of Kassel.