Merkel warns of 19,200 new infections per day and doubts the strategy in Berlin

Merkel warns of 19,200 new infections per day and doubts the strategy in Berlin

Angela Merkel is concerned about the number of infections in Europe. Local sources of infection have to be addressed very clearly, otherwise, there would be 19,200 infections a day at Christmas. She is critical of the Berlin corona measures.

Angela Merkel (CDU) has expressed concern about the increasing number of corona infections in Germany. Local sources of infection have to be addressed very clearly. If the weekly numbers were to develop as before, there would be 19,200 new infections per day at Christmas, said Merkel according to "Spiegel" and "Bild" in a video conference of the CDU praesidium. The infection numbers in Europe are worrying, the Chancellor was quoted as saying.

Everything has to be done in Germany so that the numbers do not continue to grow exponentially. The "Bild" quotes them with the words: "Keeping the economy running, keeping schools and daycare centres open - football is secondary here." As expected, the Robert Koch Institute reported a comparatively low number of new infections. The health authorities had transmitted 1192 cases within one day, as the RKI announced on Monday.

Experience has shown that the number of cases recorded is usually lower on Sundays and Mondays, also because not all health authorities report data to the RKI at the weekend. On Saturday, the highest value since April was reached with 2507 new corona infections.

Advising the Prime Ministers on the pandemic

This Tuesday, the Chancellor wants to hold a video switching conference with the Prime Minister to discuss suitable measures against the rising numbers of infections in the pandemic. Priority would be given to schools, day-care centres and the economy. After this information in the CDU praesidium meeting, Merkel expressed her concern with a view to the economic situation.

Government spokesman Steffen Seibert warned before the consultations that consistent action should be taken to prevent a further increase in new infections. "We are anything but powerless." But courageous action must be taken. The new infections have tripled since June. The federal government sees this with great concern; locally and regionally there are even leaps and bounds. It is important not to overtax the health authorities in tracking the chains of infection. Some of them are currently at the attack. When asked how the Chancellor came up with this number, Seibert said that he could not comment on the "statement that was allegedly made in internal circles".

At the same time, Merkel expressed doubts that the Berlin state government was seriously trying to take measures against the outbreaks in view of the sharp rise in numbers in the capital. "Something has to happen in Berlin."

CDU boss Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said according to the participants, the round with the prime minister was very important for the development of the number of corona infections. She called for "a united signal" from the group. “People want a common line from politics.” One always has to consider regional developments. A flexible system depending on the local location makes sense, she said.