Merkel Announces 'Explosive' COVID-19 Infection Rates in Germany

In recent days, COVID-19 infections have surged in Germany, rising at 'explosive' rates, announced German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This was reported by RIA Novosti.

'This is due to the Delta variant. The measure of the virus's spread is greater than one, which means we are experiencing exponential growth,' Merkel stated during her annual major press conference, which will be her last as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

She emphasized that this situation requires the continued enforcement of safety measures (wearing masks, maintaining distance, regular testing). She urged citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19 more actively, noting that the more citizens are vaccinated, the greater the freedoms all residents of the country will enjoy, referring to the absence of additional restrictive measures.

Merkel did not rule out that this topic may be raised during a conference with regional prime ministers, which will take place in connection with the floods in the country's west and southwest. A specific date for the meeting has not yet been set.