The German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes that the next weeks will be the most difficult for countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. She stated this during her traditional Saturday video message, reports RIA Novosti .
According to the Chancellor, German doctors are working to the limit, and the consequences of the increase in the incidence of COVID-19 during the New Year’s holidays are difficult to assess.
“This is the second dangerous wave of the pandemic, which our country and many European countries are experiencing. The next weeks of winter will most likely be the most severe phase of the pandemic,” Merkel said.
She added that the German authorities intend to significantly reduce the number of new cases of coronavirus infection. “Our goal is (…) 50 new cases per 100,000 population in seven days, or better yet, below this value,” Merkel said.
Earlier it was reported that the German authorities decided to extend the strict quarantine in the country until January 31st. Previously, the regime of severe restrictive measures operated in Germany until January 10.
Since December 16, the German authorities have introduced the strictest quarantine in the entire history of the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. The President of the country Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged the Germans not to see their relatives in person during time to celebrate Christmas. He believes that giving gifts and spending time together can be done later, but now it is necessary to cope with the epidemic.