German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday that the country would go into a tight lockout and close all essential shops, services and schools until January 10, CNN reported.
Messaging: The number of cases and deaths in Europe continues to rise. Last week 598 – Germany reached the number of daily deaths – which led to Merkel begging to stay home and limit contact during the holidays.
What she says: “If we had more contact now before Christmas and it would become the last Christmas with grandparents, we would have failed and we shouldn’t have done it,” Merkel said.
Note: A portion of the newly announced restrictions limit Christmas meetings from 10 to five people from two different homes. This order prohibits alcohol in public places and requires prior registration for Christmas church services.