Germany Easter lockdown plans abandoned and France warns of an explosion in hospital admissions.

[kiwibird]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56486732

Germany has extended its lockdown for three weeks, imposing an almost complete halt over the Easter holiday in response to a third wave of coronavirus infections.

After talks with regional leaders, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany was now in a "very serious" situation.

Restrictions will be even tougher from 1-5 April, when most shops will be shut and gatherings will be limited.

Meanwhile, France's president wants vaccinations "morning, noon and night".

Emmanuel Macron was responding to an increase in intensive care cases and warnings of an "explosion" in hospital admissions.

 

[kiwibird]

https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19...n-rates-almost-double-in-three-weeks-12254127

COVID-19: Germany extends lockdown as infection rates almost double in three weeks

The coronavirus infection rate per 100,000 people was 107 on Monday, fuelled by the variant first detected in the UK.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said restrictions previously due to end on 28 March will now remain in place until 18 April.

Public life will be largely shut down from 1-3 April, with a public holiday and public gatherings banned from 1-5 April, to encourage people to stay at home.

 

[kiwibird]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56513366

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has cancelled plans for a strict lockdown over Easter, just a day after the measures were announced.

Calling the plan a "mistake", Mrs Merkel said she took "ultimate responsibility" for the U-turn.