Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Leaders of Covid-hit German States Call for National Lockdown

THE GUARDIAN: Leading virologist says country is in ‘serious and complicated’ stage of pandemic

Regional leaders of two German states badly hit by a third wave of coronavirus have urged the rest of the country to reimpose a tough lockdown to flatten infection rates, as a leading virologist said Germany was in a “serious and complicated” stage of the pandemic.

In a joint letter reported on by Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Bavaria’s conservative premier, Markus Söder, and the Green head of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, said the situation was “more serious than many believe”.

“That is why we must live up to our responsibility now and not discuss it any longer,” the two politicians said, in an apparent swipe at other state leaders seen as reluctant to enforce an emergency break on easing restrictions. » | Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Wednesday, March 31, 2021