Germany's coronavirus outbreak is 'out of control', Angela Merkel's economy minister says as country heads into second full lockdown over Christmas
The coronavirus outbreak is 'out of control' in Germany as cases and deaths continue to rise after a failed 'lockdown light', Angela Merkel's economy minister said today. Peter Altmaier admitted that 'the less intrusive measures were not enough' after Germany was forced to shut down shops and schools and go into a second 'hard lockdown' over Christmas following six weeks of partial measures. It came as 16,362 cases and 188 more deaths were added to Germany's tally today, bringing the infection count to 1.34million and the death toll to 21,975. Altmaier warned that hospitals would be overflowing within weeks if the new lockdown were not imposed, with the number of intensive care patients at a record high of more than 4,500. After failing to come down significantly during the 'lockdown light', the infection rate has now risen again in Germany, prompting tough new measures over Christmas The death rate has also continued to rise and is