Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos
As daily cases of infections of coronavirus rise in France and Germany, the leadership of both countries have been forced to take extreme measures to impose fresh lockdown in their countries to contain the widespread of COVID-19.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his counterpart, Angela Merkel, German Chancellor made the announcement yesterday.
France COVID-19 cases rose astronomically to a daily record high of 36,000 new cases while that of Germany is 16,774.
The new wave of COVID-19 has sent a shockwave on Europe and the global stock markets heading to the reds this week a reoccurrence since the wake of the pandemic.
“The virus is circulating at a speed that not even the most pessimistic forecasts had anticipated.
“Like all our neighbours, we are submerged by the sudden acceleration of the virus. We are all in the same position: overrun by a second wave which we know will be harder, more deadly than the first.
“I have decided that we need to return to the lockdown which stopped the virus,” said Macron.
The lockdown comes into effect from Friday, people are expected to stay at home except for those on essential services, medical workers and they are allowed for a maximum of one hour exercise per day.
However, schools in France will be exempted from lockdown and workers may have to report to duty if they are being called.
While for Germany, the fresh lockdown order commences from November 2 to 30 affecting bars, restaurants and theatres but schools will be open and shops are to open on strict regulations to minimise number of access.
“We need to take action now. Our health system can still cope with this challenge today, but at this speed of infections it will reach the limits of its capacity within weeks.”
Her finance minister, Olaf Scholz, posted on Twitter: “November will be a month of truth. The increasing numbers of infections are forcing us to take tough countermeasures in order to break the second wave,” said Merkel.
To salvage the impact of COVID-19, Germany has set aside 10 billion euros ($12 billion) to support businesses in the country.
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