Germany has extended its blockade measures by another month and imposed some new restrictions in an effort to curb an increase in coronavirus infections caused by the new variants.
Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that the restrictions previously set to continue until March 28 will now remain in force until April 18. Public life during Easter will be largely closed.
Coronavirus infections have steadily increased in Germany as the most contagious variant, first discovered in Britain, has become prevalent.
"We basically have a new pandemic," Merkel told reporters in Berlin.
"We basically have a new virus, obviously of the same type, but with completely different characteristics," she added. "Significantly more deadly, significantly more infectious."
"Unfortunately, we will have to use this emergency braking," she said.
Source: Euronews
