COVID-19 In Europe: Germany Deliberates New Measures To Tackle Pandemic

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other government officials will introduce new measures Wednesday at a conference over the COVID-19 pandemic.

“(The conference) will be to discuss what can be done to contain the spread of the virus soon,” Merkel spokesman Steffan Seibert told reporters on Monday. “I expect decisions to be made.”

Bild newspaper reported that Germany will implement a “lockdown light” strategy that would close bars and restaurants, with public events also being canceled. Shops would be allowed to stay open with restrictions.

The German government has not yet commented on the Bild report.

Coronavirus cases have dramatically risen over the past seven days, with daily new infections increasing by 8,685 on Monday. On Saturday, Germany registered a daily record 14,714 new cases, according to Germany’s top public health agency.

Merkel would not like to implement a comprehensive second lockdown, which could threaten the recovery of Europe’s largest economy. Lockdown orders have also caused controversy, with thousands of protesters taking to Berlin’s streets in recent months to protest the containment measures.

The virus has reached the highest levels of the German government. Health Minister Jens Spahn tested positive for COVID-19 last week, and immediately went into self-isolation.

The virus has been surging across Europe. France confirmed more than 52,000 new infections on Sunday, with large cities such as Paris and Lyon placed under evening curfews. Italy has closed gyms, pools, and movie theaters to fight the pandemic.