The German government is expected to hold a meeting of the federal government and 16 governors on the 10th (local time) presided over by Prime Minister Merkel and extend the blockade to prevent the spread of Corona 19. Controversy is expected as to whether to open the door of childcare facilities or schools in stages.
According to German RTL broadcasting and Tagespiegel on the 9th, Prime Minister Merkel said at a meeting of the leadership of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU) the day before, “It is estimated that 20% of COVID-19 infections are caused by a mutant virus.” At the same time, the attendees said they emphasized opposition to any easing measures before early March.
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According to an earlier report by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the proportion of those infected with mutant virus B117 from the UK among new corona 19 confirmed cases in Germany was 5.8%, which was counted on the 5th. The UK mutant virus has spread in 13 out of 16 German states.
If mutant viruses originating in South Africa and Brazil are combined, the proportion of people infected with the mutant virus among new cases increases to 6.9%.
At the press conference at the time, RKI Director Rota Biller said, “The proportion of mutant virus infections among new corona 19 confirmed cases is on the rise,” and “It seems that the mutant virus is spreading more and more. It is emerging again.”
Germany holds a meeting of the federal government and 16 governors on the 10th, presided over by Prime Minister Merkel, and decides whether to extend the blockade. According to the German daily Suddeutsche Chaitung (SZ), the cabinet also continued to comment suggesting the extension of the blockade.
German Health Minister Jens Sfan said, “You must not lose your hard-earned achievements rashly.” “It is too early to ease the blockade,” said Anya Calichek, Minister of Education and Research.
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Controversy is expected on the steps to reduce the blockade of schools and childcare facilities. The timing of the containment easing is at the heart of the controversy.
Francisca Giffy, Minister of Family, Elderly, Women, and Youth, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), said, “If this situation continues, it seems that the blockades on schools and childcare facilities should be gradually eased within this month.”
Germany is implementing a total blockade that closes all schools, childcare facilities, and shops from December 16th to the 14th. However, stores that sell daily necessities such as groceries are excluded.
Prior to this, from November 2nd, a partial blockade was introduced. Accommodation businesses such as hotels cannot accept travelers, and cultural and sports facilities such as museums, theaters, and cinemas have been suspended. Restaurants are only available for door-to-door packaging and delivery.
According to the RKI statistics, the number of new cases per 100,000 population in Germany in the last week has fallen to 72.8. Compared to the record high of 197.6 people recorded on December 22 last year, it fell to less than half. The German government is aiming to drop this number to 50 or less.
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