Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes that the next weeks will be the most difficult for the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. She stated this during the traditional Saturday video message, RIA Novosti reports.

According to the chancellor, German doctors are working to the limit, and the consequences of the increase in the incidence of COVID-19 during the New Year holidays are difficult to assess.

“This is the second dangerous wave of the pandemic that our country and many European countries are experiencing. The next weeks of winter are likely to be the most severe phase of the pandemic, ”Merkel said.

She added that the German authorities intend to significantly reduce the number of new cases of coronavirus infection. “Our goal is (…) 50 new cases per 100 thousand population in seven days, or even better – below this value,” Merkel said.

Earlier it was reported that the German authorities decided to extend the strict quarantine in the country until January 31. Previously, the regime of severe restrictive measures was in effect in Germany until January 10.

Since December 16, the German authorities have introduced the strictest quarantine in the entire history of the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Germans not to see their relatives in person during the Christmas celebrations. He believes that it is possible to give gifts and spend time together later, but now it is necessary to cope with the epidemic.