Due to the spread of the UK variant... Germany extends lockdown again until April

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Germany will extend lockdown measures until April 18 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections during the Easter holiday period.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced this on the 23rd (local time) at a joint press conference with the 16 state premiers of the federal government, according to AP News and others.

The lockdown, originally scheduled to end on the 28th, was extended again due to the rapid spread of the UK-origin variant virus in Germany.

Chancellor Merkel warned, "We are effectively facing a new pandemic," adding, "The new virus is more dangerous, more contagious, and lasts longer."

Germany plans to implement strict lockdown measures nationwide during the Easter holiday from April 1 to 5. Most stores will remain closed, and gatherings of more than five people from one household or meetings of more than two households will not be allowed.

Chancellor Merkel stated that the current healthcare system has reached saturation and emphasized, "We must stop the spread of the third wave."

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