Covid-19: Germany is partially reconfigured

German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, October 28, 2020. Fabrizio Bensch / pool photo via AP

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2 min

Germany remains less affected by the Covid-19 pandemic than most of its European neighbors.

But the number of infections is also increasing with a new record Monday of 15,000 new cases.

Chancellor Angela Merkel was able to impose stricter measures on regional presidents on Wednesday than she had been able to obtain earlier.

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With our correspondent in Berlin, 

Pascal Thibaut

Flatten the infection curve and ultimately prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed, once again allow efficient contact tracing of infected people and save the Christmas holidays.

This is the objective of the measures adopted which will take effect next Monday. 

"

 We must act now to avoid a state of health emergency

," said Angela Merkel. 

These measures are hard and difficult for our fellow citizens to bear.

But we must guarantee their health while restricting economic activity as little as possible. 

"

The measures adopted are largely reminiscent of those of the spring: bars, restaurants, leisure places such as theaters, cinemas or sports halls must close for one month.

Contacts should be reduced to a minimum, at most ten people.

But no French

confinement

with certificates.

This time the shops can remain open.

Schools and nurseries as well.

► Also to listen: Germany opens the windows against the Covid

Economic life should be less affected.

Businesses and the self-employed will be able to earn up to 75% of their monthly turnover if they are affected by these decisions.

Ten billion euros must be released.

Chancellor Merkel, who was unable to impose stricter measures on regional presidents two weeks ago, wins her case this time.

These decisions were adopted unanimously.

Critics come above all from the sectors concerned such as restaurants, hotels and cinemas which feel they are unfairly hit.

See also: Covid-19: concerns in Germany with the increase in the number of contaminations

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  • Coronavirus

  • Health and medicine

  • Germany

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