Chancellor's statement following the meeting of the "Corona Cabinet"
After the meeting of the "Corona Cabinet", Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany is still only at the start of the pandemic in spite of all the achievements to date. At the start of this week, with the first restrictions being lifted in the federal states, she said, we have to make this clear "again and again".
"We must not think for a second that we are safe," declared the Chancellor on Monday.
Foto: Bundesregierung/Bergmann
Speaking after the meeting of the "Corona Cabinet", Chancellor Angela Merkel has stressed that in spite of all that has been achieved, people must remain "vigilant and disciplined". The consequences of lifting some of the lockdown measures as agreed by the federal and state governments will not become apparent for 14 days, she pointed out. "We must not think for one second that we are safe," said the Chancellor. Watch the video of her statement
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As the Chancellor stressed, she is very much aware of how many people are struggling. Nevertheless, she warned of the danger of easing restrictions too early, and stumbling into a relapse "with our eyes wide open". "We are still a long way from being out of the woods," said the Chancellor.
Strengthening the public health service
The Chancellor said that it is thanks to everybody in Germany that the reproduction factor has been pushed below one. People have demonstrated "exceptional discipline and huge patience" with all the restrictions. "Today again, I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart," she declared.
The "Corona Cabinet" decided on Monday to further strengthen the public health service. 105 mobile teams are to support local health offices on the ground. They are to help with contact tracing, explained Chancellor Angela Merkel.
You can read the full report on the Chancellor’s statement here.