GERMANY. Germany reported 11,242 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. According to the reports, the new cases have brought Germany’s total number of COVID-19 cases throughout the pandemic to 400,000. However, when compared to its European counterparts France and Spain, the cases in Germany are still very low. France and Spain have both recorded over one million COVID-19 cases.
In an open statement, the head of Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Lothar Wieler said, “The situation has become very serious. The number of infections is rising rapidly in many areas and we don’t know how the virus situation will develop. But we are still able to slow the further spread of the virus and everyone can contribute.”
Germany hit by the second wave of COVID-19
The second wave of COVID-19 in Germany has been linked to young people ignoring health guidelines at parties and social events. Meanwhile, police officials in Berlin have struggled to stop illegal parties in public squares and parks. Many youngsters were found ignoring social distancing and not wearing masks in the parties. According to the officials, private gatherings among young people were the main reason behind the new surge.
In a statement, Wieler said, “The more people gather in private circles, the more the numbers will increase and the further the virus will spread. The young people are most exposed to the resurgence of the virus.”
Dealing with the crisis
Germany’s Federal system of government means that decision-making power still lies with the leaders of the country’s states. To deal with this situation, Germany still has to deal with lots of rules and regulations.
German city, Frankfurt has set a curfew for restaurants and bars. According to the new rules, the restaurants and bars must close at 10 pm. Interestingly, a Berlin court ruled out a similar curfew by stating the rule as “illegal”.
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has been widely praised for her leadership during the pandemic. However, some of the leaders are criticizing her actions as they believe that “Individual needs demand Individual measures”.
Comments are closed.