Germany lockdown to be re-imposed as infection rates rise

German Chancellor Angela Merkel might be forced to reintroduce some lockdown measures after the coronavirus infection rate spiked greatly in the last four days following the re-opening of shops.

Reopening of some shops was followed by a spike in the infection rate. Since then, the R number – that’s the rate of the coronavirus reproduction – has gone up to 1.0. Earlier this month it was 0.7.

Health officials say it’s absolutely critical that the rate of infection remain low as that’s where it needs to be to record the virus is manageable.

German authorities need not want to allow the virus to spread again because current efforts have been effective in making sure that the virus doesn’t spread to new people.

Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to consult with state premiers on whether to lift more of the curbs imposed to stop the disease from spreading. Some regional leaders including North Rhine-Westphalia Premier Armin Laschet have tried to lower expectations, saying it’s too early for a significant change in strategy.

The death rate in Germany is fairly low as compared to other European countries. There has been frustrations as it’s been observed that doctors complain about the lack of PPE but there’s now bigger tension about lifting the restrictions while protecting the economy and ensuring the virus does not spread.

Mrs Merkel has also had to face the growing risks a continued lockdown could have on the already ailing German economy. A lot of people in Germany are ready to get back to work as financial crisis and responsibilities weigh on them but the easing of the lockdown measures I being done in steady progression.

The Institute for Economic Reform (IFO) updated export market expectations from -19 to -50 in April, the lowest ever measured. The IFO justified its decision warning demand has “collapsed” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An application was recommended to allow movement that was monitored but that quickly was debated on and decided that would involve taking on the information o thousands of people living in Germany and it could be of high risk.