Angela Merkel made a statement on the corona crisis and expressed a tendency to wear masks. The federal government also approves a novelty in terms of voluntary service.
- The federal government has taken drastic measures because of the corona virus *.
- The ban on contact was extended until April 19.
- After a consultation with the crisis cabinet, Angela Merkel commented on how to proceed.
- Here you can find current numbers of cases in Germany as a map. You can also find the latest news on the Corona crisis in Germany in our news ticker.
Update 17:22: In response to the Corona crisis, there are considerations in the Bundestag to forego the annual diet increase . According to a report by the ARD capital's studio on Tuesday, the Left, FDP and Greens are signaling their approval, the CDU / CSU and SPD were still hesitant but ready to talk.
"We need an agreement between the political groups, a decision in the Bundestag and no race for who first proposed it," emphasized the Green Parliament's first parliamentary manager, Britta Haßelmann . "We are open to that, you have to discuss that in the Council of Elders of Parliament," said FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Lindner .
The MP's compensation is based on the income of federal judges. It is automatically adjusted annually to the wage development of the previous year. Since the so-called nominal wage index rose by 2.6 percent last year, according to the ARD report, diets would also increase by this amount - from the current 10,083 euros per month to 10,345 euros .
Given the financial losses for many employees and companies as a result of the Corona crisis, this increase appears to be inappropriate for many MEPs. Suspending "would be a nice sign that this challenge can only be mastered together," said the CDU / CSU Group's first parliamentary director, Michael Grosse-Brömer .
Corona crisis in Germany: Federal government could allow longer working hours across the country
Update, 1:15 p.m .: In many federal states, working time regulations for certain jobs have already been relaxed due to the Corona crisis. The federal government is now planning to create a “nationwide framework” for this. The Federal Ministry of Labor announced that an ordinance should be issued in a timely manner. According to the Working Hours Act, this is permitted "in epidemic situations of national importance". However, only for a limited time.
The planned regulation should apply until the end of June. According to the Ministry of Activities, the current regulations can be relaxed because these innovations "are necessary because of the Covid 19 epidemic to maintain public security and order, health and nursing care, public services or to provide the population with essential goods" .
It is about exceptions to maximum working hours and minimum rest periods . The daily rest period could be reduced from eleven to nine hours.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn and Baden-Württemberg's Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann informed about the corona crisis. " Corona knows no national borders and no party borders - we feel how important cooperation is at all levels," emphasized Spahn . Spahn further warned against the recent drop in the rate of new infections: "We must not weigh ourselves in the wrong safety. The situation is serious."
Corona crisis in Germany: federal government approves innovation in voluntary service
Update, 12.10 p.m .: Family Minister Franziska Giffey ( SPD ) presented a new online platform today (April 7). If you are currently doing a volunteer service and have to stay at home because of the Corona crisis , you can find another location on the website “Volunteers help now”.
According to Giffey , people who are currently completing the federal voluntary service , a voluntary social year or a voluntary ecological year in a facility that is temporarily closed can register there. Aid agencies looking for support can also come forward - it is an " offer to bring people together," said the Minister of Family Affairs .
With the exception of Saxony and Thuringia, all federal states and the federal government allow volunteers to temporarily change their place of work . Around 25,000 of them are already working in the health and care sector , where demand is currently particularly high, according to Giffey. Others could not do their job at the moment, but wanted to help. She emphasized that the offer was voluntary and security was given - everyone would continue to be paid pocket money. Those who are not in a year of service but still want to help can register on the “Help Now” platform, Giffey continued.
Corona crisis in Germany: Altmaier (CDU) on easing measures
Update, April 7, 9:38 a.m .: Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier ( CDU ) has warned the production of protective equipment for medical personnel by German companies. "Now we have to make sure that companies in Germany start to produce, and not at some point, but very soon," he said in the ZDF "Morgenmagazin". Altmaier also reaffirmed Chancellor Angela Merkel's (CDU) plan to reduce dependence on international markets for these products.
In the ZDF “Morgenmagazin” Altmaier also warned against being put under pressure in the debate about a possible relaxation of the corona protective measures after Easter. The federal government would "keep his nerve" and then decide whether the measures would be relaxed if the data base allowed a decision, Altmaier continued. "That is not the case now."
In Bavaria meanwhile, Prime Minister Markus Söder will be informing you today on Tuesday (April 7) in a press conference, which you can follow here in the live stream and live ticker. Among other things, the conference could talk about a Corona bonus for nurses.
Germany in the corona crisis: Merkel emphasizes: health has priority
Update 16:53: A conclusion of the Chancellor press conference: Angela Merkel clearly emphasizes the priority of health in dealing with the Corona crisis , but also assures the citizens of their thanks and the will to remove the hard restrictions - as soon as the situation of the pandemic allow. Even then you will have to continue living with the virus, the Chancellor is already dampening hopes of a return to normal.
For the time being, the Germans have to do without concrete data and plans relating to an exit strategy . Merkel was openly open to a rethinking of mask requirements .
Another large part of her speech was devoted to the importance of the EU in the crisis and the declared will to strengthen the European Union. Especially in the southern European countries, Merkel's explanations will be noted with disappointment: The Chancellor completely ignored the controversial issue of Euro- or Corona bonds - and this is certainly not accidental.
Update 4:50 p.m .: "As soon as the health situation subsides, we will of course return to free life as we know it," Angela Merkel emphasizes when asked - that is "no question at all". "Don't think that as a politician it is easy for me to have to order something like this with others." With this affirmation, the Chancellor ends the press conference.
Germany in the corona crisis: Merkel thanks the population - and indicates a tendency towards mask duty
Update, 4.45 p.m .: Merkel also expressly thanks those in the population who "engage in these tough measures" - this is especially true now that spring weather is beginning.
With regard to the debate about the obligation to wear a mask , the Chancellor said that science had initially advised against. But now "the opinion of the experts is also changing - and we will not oppose it". In any case, Merkel warns that if there is a possible obligation for “everyday masks”, the recommendations of the doctors - such as not wearing them too long and washing and heating them - should be observed.
Merkel emphasizes again: The case numbers showed "that we have made a step forward", but it was not time "to give the all-clear - no virologist tells us that either".
Corona crisis: "Austria has always been a step ahead of us" - Merkel has put off with a view to the exit plan for the time being
Update, 4:40 pm: "We would be a bad federal government if we didn't think hard about how we could start life up again, even if health protection was adhered to," says Angela Merkel , referring to a possible exit plan . "But we would also be a bad federal government if we now give a specific date."
"Austria was always a step ahead of us," Merkel emphasizes. Germany must draw its own conclusions based on its own numbers.
It is already clear, however, that health protection will always be in the foreground even when public life opens up: "We continue to live in the pandemic." When drawing up a plan, doctors, sociologists and economists would have to be consulted. "We cannot yet tell them what conclusions we will draw from this, but it will be a step-by-step approach." In any case, no concrete plan has yet been decided.
Corona crisis: Angela Merkel wants to strengthen the EU - Chancellor does not address corona bonds
Update, 4:30 p.m .: The EU is facing the greatest test since its foundation, the Chancellor continues - all countries are equally affected. Therefore, everyone must be interested in Europe being strong in this test. Germany would only be able to do well in the long run if Europe did well.
Merkel names the European Protection Mechanism ESM as concrete means of action. The corona pandemic is tantamount to a natural disaster, so the EU could also release further loans. 100 billion euros have already been earmarked. A recovery program, a “reconstruction program” was also necessary at the European level after the crisis - Germany was ready to do its part. Climate protection and digitization should be considered when the worst part of the medical crisis has been overcome.
Merkel does not address the controversial euro or corona bonds.
Loosening or tightening of the measures? Merkel announces Corona plans - now live
Update, 4:25 p.m .: Now Angela Merkel speaks in Berlin. An important lesson from the pandemic is the need for in- house production of medical protective equipment , the Chancellor emphasizes.
In a second point, Merkel says that the free travel of commuters must still be guaranteed - but protection should still be provided. This will be discussed this week. Restrictions on entry and domestic quarantine for travelers will generally be necessary in future without being restricted to certain risk areas , explains the Chancellor. One of the reasons is that, given the spread of the coronavirus around the world, the Robert Koch Institute will no longer designate such areas in the future.
Third, Merkel refers to the plans already announced for another loan program.
Update, 4:13 p.m .: Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) wants to go to the press in a few minutes - news from the federal government's Corona cabinet are expected. A few hours after Austria announced a schedule to exit the shutdown, no similarly concrete announcements are to be expected. According to government spokesman Steffen Seibert, Saarland Prime Minister Tobias Hans has now emphasized this. Saarland is one of the federal states with the most regimented measures.
"This does not put us under any pressure," said the CDU politician to the editorial network in Germany with a view to the statement by Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP). “Everyone has to make their decisions based on their own data. Our infection numbers currently do not give a quick prospect of easing. ”The agreed schedule, Hans explained: On Tuesday after Easter (April 14), the Prime Ministers want to discuss with Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) how to proceed.
Corona plan for Germany: Federal government relies on new app
Update, 2:34 p.m .: The federal government assumes that the development and voluntary use of a stop corona app can make a decisive contribution to reducing the number of new infections . A corresponding application for smartphones is a "very central component" if you want to reduce the infection rate, said government spokesman Steffen Seibert. The German app should be compatible with software applications in other European countries and be available for download in the next few days or weeks.
The aim of the app is to quickly and anonymously inform as many contacts as possible of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus about their risk. So far, information is available about employees of the health authorities. These endeavor to reach all contact persons whom the infected person remembers.
Seibert said that data protection requirements would definitely be observed when developing the app , which was tested with Bundeswehr soldiers in Berlin last week. There is a broad political consensus on the use of an app that works via Bluetooth and does not pass on location data to government agencies.
Corona exit plan for Germany: Merkel cabinet advises measures - No deadline yet
Update, 2:14 p.m .: The German federal government continues to maintain that there are currently no deadlines for reducing the restrictions. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert confirmed on Monday (April 6) the recent statements by Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) that she could not yet name such a deadline and that this would also be irresponsible in the current situation.
Merkel's Corona Exit Plan for Germany:
Update of April 6, 1:25 p.m .: How is the federal government continuing to deal with the corona crisis? Angela Merkel has already decided with the Crisis Cabinet on further measures regarding entry requirements and economic aid (see below). But it could be really interesting at 4.30 p.m. Then Merkel speaks in a press conference. It may then give an outlook of how Germany will exit current measures such as the ban on contacts.
The picture meanwhile reports from a concept paper of the Interior Ministry for the Corona - Measures - Exit . According to the plan, the retail and restaurants as well as certain other businesses should be reopened first without major customer contact. Schools should also reopen in certain regions. Large events and private celebrations should remain prohibited for the time being.
However, according to the report, a prerequisite for easing the measures must be fulfilled: the infection rate must remain below one. This means that a person infected with corona infects less than another person. This is currently not the case.
In addition, there should also be a mask requirement * in Germany. In buses, trains, factories and buildings, breathing masks should be mandatory.
Merkel advises with Corona Cabinet on tightening measures: First plans leaked
Update of April 6, 12:05 p.m .: Germans, EU citizens or people who have lived in Germany for many years and who return to the Federal Republic after several days abroad should be in quarantine for two weeks in the future. The so-called Corona crisis cabinet recommended the federal states on Monday, according to information from the German Press Agency.
Due to the corona pandemic, travelers are only allowed to come to Germany for a "valid reason". In principle, entries from third countries are only permitted in selected cases, and travelers are checked at the German Schengen external borders. Except for EU citizens or people who have lived in Germany for many years, there are exceptions for medical staff, commuters, diplomats and other groups of people.
No quarantine will be ordered for commuters, business travelers and service technicians who have to enter or leave the country for a few days, the decision continues. The same applies to people who would have to transport people, goods and goods across borders, on the road, by rail, by ship or by plane, as well as for travelers in transit on the way to the country of their permanent residence.
In Austria, on the other hand, Chancellor Kurz announced a plan to relax the measures - but he expanded the requirement to wear a mask.
Merkel advises with Corona Cabinet on tightening measures: First plans leaked
First report from April 6th:
Berlin - The corona virus is spreading even more in Germany . The number of infected people * has now risen to more than 100,000. Chancellor Angela Merkel * will consult with the crisis cabinet on Monday on how to proceed.
The Federal Ministers who are particularly concerned with crisis management during the pandemic are currently exchanging information twice a week in the Corona Cabinet.
Corona cabinet around Merkel advises on further measures
A major topic on the agenda of the meeting will be a proposal by Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU). He calls for stricter border controls to be extended to crossings to other neighboring countries . In addition, the round should be about Seehofer's proposal to introduce a quarantine obligation for all travelers * by air . That could then, among other things, thwart the plans of the Thai king *.
Since March 16, only people who have good reason, such as commuters, are allowed to enter the borders with Austria, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Denmark. The Ministry of the Interior now wants to introduce strict entry requirements for the borders to Poland, the Czech Republic, Belgium and the Netherlands as well as at the airports.
Chancellor #Merkel: We will experience a completely different Easter time than ever before. It is too early to relax the strict rules again.
Warning: video podcast for Twitter shortened. Fully here: https://t.co/UizpAzW2yR pic.twitter.com/I6Q7q9QWKb
Further corona measures: new economic package to come
The FDP warned of this step last weekend. "Tightening border controls is the wrong way to go," said Stephan Thomae, deputy chairman of the FDP parliamentary group in the German press agency in Berlin. "The virus does not stop at the borders, but hinders the important goods traffic and ensures kilometers of traffic jams at the borders."
The Corona Cabinet meeting also deals with economic measures. The German press agency learned from government circles that the Corona cabinet wanted to adopt an additional loan program on Monday. It's about improvements in credit terms. Companies are to be covered with 100 percent state liability for a limited time. The additional aid is intended to benefit especially the middle class.
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder recently also spoke in favor of nationwide tax cuts due to the Corona crisis. Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz now objected to "Anne Will". *
Austria already has it, the obligation to wear a mask. But does it also come in Germany? *
rjs / dpa
* merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digitla editorial network.
List of rubric lists: © picture alliance / dpa / Kay Nietfeld