Germany extends COVID curbs as infections threaten infrastructure

25/1/2022 7:20

        Germany on Monday extended its current pandemic measures as the experts panel appointed by the government has warned the fast spreading Omicron coronavirus variant could bring critical infrastructure in Europe's biggest economy to a breaking point.
        
        Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he had agreed with the heads of the federal states to extend restrictions such as limiting private gatherings to 10 ten people and requiring proof of booster vaccination or a negative test at restaurants.
        
        "Now it's time to stay on course," said Scholz after a meeting on Monday.
        
        The government will reconsider relaxing or tightening the measures in case of a very steep rise or decline in infection numbers, Scholz added.
        
        Germany on Monday reported 63,393 new COVID-19 cases, an 86% jump from a week ago, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.