Merkel warns toughest months with Covid fight are still ahead

Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that “the most difficult months” in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic still lie ahead. Report informs referring to Bloomberg.

After extending and tightening lockdown restrictions earlier this week, Merkel’s stern message came as daily fatalities in Germany exceeded 1,000 for a second consecutive day, pushing the death toll to nearly 38,000.

While weeks of strict curbs have helped reduce contagion rates, they’re still well above a government target, straining the health-care system. On Tuesday, Merkel and state leaders agreed to controversial movement limitations, sharpened restrictions on private gatherings, and prolonged hard lockdown measures until at least Jan. 31.

“At the same time, there is a glimmer of hope in that vaccines are now available,” Merkel said on Thursday during a virtual event of her conservative bloc.