Germany's Merkel Pushes to Extend Lockdown Until Mid-March

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] German Chancellor Angela Merkel is pushing to extend lockdown measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 until mid-next month.

On the 10th (local time), ahead of the federal government and 16 state governors' meeting, Merkel proposed this plan in a draft resolution prepared in advance, according to major German media such as S?ddeutsche Zeitung (SZ).

According to the resolution, private gatherings will continue to be limited to one person outside the same household until the 14th of next month, and wearing medical masks will be mandatory in stores and public transportation. Companies should allow remote work if possible.

However, hair and beauty salons will be allowed to operate starting from the 1st of next month. Schools and childcare facilities will gradually reopen.

The draft resolution states that care and education sectors, such as schools and childcare facilities, will be the top priority when easing lockdown measures.

Schools and childcare facilities will reopen step-by-step under the management of each state government, with measures such as mask-wearing, ventilation, and rapid diagnostic testing in place.

Regarding the timing of easing lockdowns in other sectors, SZ reported that decisions will be made at the federal government and 16 state governors' meeting on the 10th of next month, or based on when the number of new confirmed cases per 100,000 population falls below 35 nationwide for one week.

Germany has been implementing a full lockdown since December 16 last year until the 14th of this month, closing schools, childcare facilities, and stores. However, stores selling daily necessities such as groceries are exempt.

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