Hairdressers closed, no fireworks sales, a partial alcohol ban: the new stricter lockdown in Germany is clear. For a long time, Germany was an example for the rest of Europe, but that lead is shrinking by the day, says Akkermans. The number of infections is currently even lower than in the Netherlands, but the figure is rising rapidly.
“Merkel thinks it’s enough,” says Akkermans. That’s why non-essential stores in Germany will largely close from Wednesday. Only supermarkets, pharmacies and banks are allowed to remain open. “There is no longer any reason to take to the streets. With that they want to drastically reduce the chance of contact.”
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“When there is such a high contamination rate, you are out of control,” he continues. Then it doesn’t help that the German GGD, which has to keep an eye on the infections, is struggling with shortages of people and equipment. “The Gesundheidsambt still works with felt-tip pens and fax.”
Merkel wants to regain that control and is therefore intervening a lot harder than has been done in the Netherlands so far. “You must not forget, it costs quite a bit to close all those shops. You have to ask yourself whether it is worth it. Due to the influx of hospitals and ICs, there is a danger of shortages. This is a sign for the scientist Merkel to take this very seriously. “
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Laxity
The Germans have become less and less compliant with the measures, Akkermans sees. “In the first lockdown, everyone saw the need for it, the measures were followed very quickly and well.”
This is no longer the case, which means that the virus is spreading rapidly, especially among young people. The hope is that this can turn the tide, as in some other European countries.
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