As the first week of lockdown came slowly to a close, a top government official said that the government wouldn’t even consider relaxing nationwide restrictions for another three weeks. Even then, some measures could remain in place. 

Coronavirus restrictions will remain in place for 3 more weeks

The head of the chancellery, Helga Braun, was quoted on Sunday as saying that Germany is not planning on lifting coronavirus restrictions until at least April 20. “We will not discuss any relaxing [of measures] until April 20, and until then, all measures will remain in place,” she told Der Tagesspiegel. 

Her comments came at the end of a week which saw the introduction of unprecedented nationwide restrictions to curb the spread of coronvirus. Hot on the heels of school and university closures came the order for most food, personal care and entertainment outlets to shut down and social contacts to be reduced to an absolute minimum.

Infection rate slowing

Braun said that it would become clear after the Easter school holidays whether the restrictions have been successful in slowing the spread of coronavirus. Early last week the Robert Koch Institute indicated that there was some indication that the infection rate curve was beginning to flatten, but that it was still too early to be certain. 

“If we manage to slow the rate of infection so that it takes 10, 12 or more days for cases to double, then we know we’re on the right track,” said Braun. 

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany is currently doubling every three to six days. As of Monday afternoon, the total number of infections had risen to 62.435, with 541 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University. 

Elderly and immunocompromised would still have to self isolate

Braun said that, even when restrictions are eventually eased for many, social distancing requirements would probably remain in place for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions until a vaccine has been found. 

Last week Angela Merkel, who is herself still in quarantine, urged the population of Germany to remain patient. She is coming under pressure from a number of her ministers, who are calling for restrictions to be lifted as soon as possible, given the long-term social and economic havoc they could potentially cause.