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Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (CDU)
Photo: Stephanie Pilick / dpa
Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (CDU) has urgently warned against loosening the corona measures too early.
"The interim balance also includes the fact that the number of infections is still far too high. Much higher even than two weeks ago," said Altmaier of "Bild am Sonntag" (BamS).
"Despite all efforts, a change for the better has not yet been achieved," he said.
"We have to act, otherwise we will lose the fight against the virus."
The Minister therefore currently sees "little leeway" for opening restaurants and cinemas.
"We're not out of the woods yet."
The goal must be to sustainably break the wave of infections.
"We cannot afford a yo-yo shutdown with the economy constantly opening and closing."
The federal government ensures that those hardest hit receive comprehensive help - "no matter how long the restrictions last and no matter what the next few weeks and months bring".
Altmaier reckons that the Germans will have to restrict themselves well beyond December.
"We will have to live with significant precautions and restrictions for at least the next four to five months," he said.
As a negative example, he cited the situation in neighboring European countries, which would have paid dearly with human lives for early relaxation.
"If we don't want days with 50,000 new infections, like for example a few weeks ago in France, we have to persevere and not constantly speculate about which measures can be relaxed again."
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The Saxon Prime Minister Kretschmer (CDU)
Photo: Sebastian Kahnert / dpa
Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) also sees no reason to discuss easing.
"From my point of view, there is no basis for relaxation due to the high number of infections," said Kretschmer to the BamS.
"We should therefore meet again in seven days to talk about developments. Interventions in people's fundamental rights must be explained very precisely and justified."
On Monday, the prime ministers want to meet again in a conference with the Federal Chancellor on how to deal with the corona pandemic.
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The Bavarian Prime Minister Söder (CSU)
Photo: Lino Mirgeler / dpa
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) warns in the BamS: "There is absolutely no scope for relaxation. If you relax too early, you risk Christmas."
Instead, Söder brings an extension or tightening into play: "We have to consider whether the measures taken so far are sufficient. We need uniform rules for everyone and must not confuse the population on a daily basis."
Unteressen, Minister of Economic Affairs, Altmaier, announced a "fully automated" solution for applying for so-called November aid.
"Our goal is to have the help on the account a few days after the correct application has been made."
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