German Chancellor Angela Merkel proposes that all ski stations in Europe be closed this winter season. She said this in a statement in which she gave an update on the corona situation in Germany.
–
In view of the approaching ski season, Merkel is calling for all ski areas in Europe to be closed. “The ski season is fast approaching,” said Merkel. “But due to the current health situation, any unnecessary contact must be avoided. So no tourist trips are allowed. We will try to coordinate in Europe whether we can close all ski areas. Unfortunately, when you hear the Austrian statements, it doesn’t seem like it will be easy, but we will try. ”
Earlier this week, the Austrian government – backed by the mighty ski lobby from Tyrol, among others – already stated that skiing “is perfectly possible, provided the necessary precautions”. The country is also playing hard: Minister of Finance Gernot Blümel already threatened on Wednesday with a claim of 2.4 billion euros if Europe restricts ski tourism in all winter sports countries during the Christmas period.
READ ALSO. Then still go skiing? France, Italy and Germany want to close slopes, but Austria and Switzerland remain deaf (+)
“Success, but not yet a sustainable success”
According to Merkel, such an intervention is necessary to prevent the spread of the corona virus in Europe. She also defended the measures in force in Germany. “I know how tough our measures mean for many people in Germany, but it’s hard to imagine where we would be today if we hadn’t made this national effort four weeks ago, when it was literally 5 to 12.”
Since the introduction of stricter corona measures on October 29, the number of infections in Germany has decreased by about 40 percent, and the collapse of the health system has been avoided, Merkel said. “This is an initial success, but it is not yet a sustainable success,” she said. The Chancellor also made it clear that she could not promise any improvements for Christmas and New Year, although that could change if the numbers continued to decline. “Winter will be tough, but it will end,” Merkel concluded.
– .
