Merkel to discuss returning to harder lockdown with state leaders

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will join state leaders on Monday to discuss whether a return to a harder lockdown is needed.

The move is coming after the country surpassed a key threshold in coronavirus infection numbers.

In spite of hopes for more lockdown relaxations in time for the Easter holiday weekend, which falls at the beginning of April, Germany is likely to halt its plans for re-openings after the seven-day incidence of new infections passed a critical benchmark on Sunday.

Officials previously agreed to use an “emergency brake” and renew restrictions if the number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, during the course of a week, exceeded the threshold of 100 for three consecutive days.

However, on Sunday, this seven-day incidence figure rose to 103.9.

Government officials and state leaders, speaking online, are also set to debate the possibility of at least allowing citizens to travel homes for a holiday in their own state during the Easter holidays.