Germany Records Highest Ever Death Toll... Merkel Says "Strong Measures Needed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Germany recorded a new daily high of 590 deaths from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that stronger quarantine measures than partial lockdowns need to be implemented.

On the 9th (local time), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's equivalent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, announced that the number of COVID-19 deaths increased by 590 the previous day, surpassing the previous record of 487 set a week ago. As a result, the total number of deaths due to COVID-19 has exceeded 20,000. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by 20,815, an increase of 3,545 compared to the previous week. The previous single-day record was 23,648 cases on the 20th of last month.

In a policy speech to the Bundestag on the same day, Chancellor Merkel said, "The level of contact is still too high," adding, "If we have too many contacts before Christmas and this ends up being the last Christmas for grandparents, we will miss something important."

Merkel specifically mentioned that from Christmas until January 10 of next year, all stores selling items other than essentials such as groceries and medicines must be closed. She also stated that school vacations at all levels should be extended from the 14th until January 10 of next year. Merkel emphasized, "Although the development of a COVID-19 vaccine offers a glimmer of hope, vaccinations will only be available to certain groups until the first quarter of next year," and added, "We will take all measures to avoid closing childcare facilities and schools."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.