Germany: Angela Merkel proposes a three-step plan to lift restrictions

Angela Merkel has proposed a three-step plan to lift the restrictions

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has proposed a three-step plan to lift restrictions on stepping up testing at COVID-19, the Berlin chief executive said at a meeting of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leadership, Reuters reports.

Angela Merkel wants the gradual reopening of German society. In her vision, it starts with expanding the number of personal contacts. Then would the reopening of vocational schools and colleges. In the third phase, sports activities, restaurants and culture would be opened, according to the participants in the meeting.

Germany extended restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 until March 7. But elementary schools and nurseries in 10 Länder have resumed work, and beauty salons will reopen next week.

Germany reported 4369 new cases and 62 deaths on Monday

Although the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased in recent weeks, the seven-day incidence rate is still 60 cases per 100,000 population. Germany reported 4,369 new cases on Monday and another 62 deaths from the new coronavirus in the past 24 hours.

Starting Tuesday, Helge Braun, the German chancellor’s chief of staff, will convene a working group to propose a plan for the next meeting of the federal government with the heads of executives of the 16 states, scheduled for March 3, the quoted source also states.

The German Minister of Health has resumed the call for the government to offer free rapid tests from March 1

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has reiterated his call for the government to offer free rapid tests starting March 1.

Germany’s anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign has so far been affected by vaccine delivery problems. On Sunday, just over 5 million doses were administered in Germany.

The federal health minister and the state health ministers will decide on Monday whether teachers and educators will have a higher priority on vaccination.

Health Minister Christine Lambrecht raised the possibility of lifting restrictions on people vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as more information is available on the possible prevention of the disease.