Angela Merkel urges German population to "stay at home"

With coronavirus case numbers rising dramatically across the country, Chancellor Angela Merkel has issued an urgent appeal for the people of Germany to do their bit to help contain the pandemic. 

Merkel: Germany in “very serious phase” of the pandemic

“We must now do everything we can to prevent the virus from spreading uncontrollably. Every day counts,” Merkel said in her weekly podcast on Saturday. “I ask you. Please refrain from any trip that is not really necessary, from any celebration that is not really necessary. Please stay at home, at your place of residence, whenever possible.” 

Merkel emphasised that Germany was currently in the midst of a “very serious phase” of the pandemic, and that “the number of new infections is increasing rapidly, day after day.” Recorded cases in the federal republic are currently rising faster than they did at the beginning of the pandemic, more than six months ago. 

Everyone urged to follow the rules

But Merkel was adamant that the fight against the virus should continue, and that everyone has a part to play. “The comparatively relaxed summer is over, now we are facing difficult months,” she said. “What winter will be like, what our Christmas will be like, will be decided in the coming days and weeks. We all influence that through our actions.” 

She called upon the entire population to show solidarity and self-discipline  - the qualities that she said brought Germany through the first six months of the pandemic. “We stood together and obeyed the rules out of consideration and common sense,” Merkel said. “This is the most effective remedy we currently have against the pandemic and it is more necessary now than ever.” 

The Robert Koch Institute confirmed 4.325 new coronavirus cases in Germany on Monday morning, bringing the nationwide 7-day incidence rate up to 42,9 cases per 100.000. On Saturday, October 17, a record 7.830 new infections were reported, the highest daily number of cases since the pandemic began.