It will be a different kind of Easter: Don't go out for an Easter walk with the whole family and friends. No visit to relatives who do not live in their own house, no church.
Berlin (dpa) - Chancellor Angela Merkel has asked all citizens to abide by the contact restrictions to curb the corona epidemic also at Easter and during the holidays. The CDU politician said in her weekly podcast on Friday that she could not yet give deadlines for an end to the orders. This would also be irresponsible in the current situation.
However, she assured that the federal government and she personally would do everything in their power to be able to reduce the measures as soon as possible. At the moment, however, the number of infected people has increased too much. It is true that the latest figures from the Robert Koch Institute gave some hope. "But it is definitely far too early to see a sure trend in it."
Therefore, all guidelines for reduced public life and for reducing contacts remained unabated - initially until April 19 inclusive, the end of the Easter holidays in most countries. What happens next depends on "at what point in the spread of the virus we are in Germany and how it affects the hospitals".
In Germany there are currently extensive contact blocks for citizens, and restaurants, theaters, cinemas, playgrounds and many shops are also closed.
"We will all experience a completely different Easter time than ever before," said Merkel. For millions of Christians, Easter is the going to church, "Easter Sunday with the whole family, maybe a walk, Easter fire." That is also a short vacation for many at the sea, in the mountains, or with relatives. "Usually. But not this year," said the chancellor.
An Easter walk is also only possible according to the rules that have been in effect for a good two weeks: Merkel warned only with family members with whom you live or with at most one other person outside of this circle. The necessary distance to other people must always be considered: one and a half meters or better two. "And don't forget to think about washing your hands thoroughly and frequently." A simple mouthguard cannot replace keeping the distance. "As long as there is no vaccine and no drug against the virus, keeping the distance is the most effective protection."
Merkel went on to say that she also thinks of the Jews and Muslims in Germany and all other believers who could not now come together in their houses of worship. "This is one of those limitations that really go to the core of a society and that we can only accept in an emergency and only for as long as is absolutely necessary."
The Chancellor resumed her official business in the Chancellery this Friday after two weeks of corona quarantine and now showed understanding above all for the many elderly and sick people who are cut off from the outside world. "I am happy to be able to contact you again from the Chancellery today. My home quarantine is over and I am fine. Now I suspect: 14 days alone at home, 14 days only on the phone and on the Internet with the world to be connected is not easy. "
This is especially not easy "for the many elderly or sick people at this time who have to be at home alone because the virus is a great danger for them. (...) My warm regards and all my good wishes go to You who you are in this situation now, "said Merkel.
Citizens, however, could rely on "that the Federal Government and I personally actually think day and night about how we can do both: both health protection for everyone and a process by which public life can also be done step by step is possible, "said the Chancellor. She added: "To have all of this in view, that guides me. It is a Herculean task." In order for this to continue, "I need to continue to use your help, I say this very frankly".
