Germany plans restrictions as COVID deaths hit record

BERLIN ( Reuters) – Germany reported a record 410 COVID- 19 deaths over 24 hours just before federal state leaders and Chancellor Angela Merkel were due to discuss an extension of pandemic- related restrictions into December and for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 18,633 to 961,320, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Wednesday, 5,015 less than the record increase reported on Friday.

However, the death toll jumped 410 to 14,771, up from 305 a week ago, and just 49 on November 2, the day Germany introduced a partial lockdown.

Saxony’s premier, Michael Kretschmer, warned of a collapse of medical care in coming weeks.

“The situation in the hospitals is worrying... We cannot guarantee medical care at this high level ( of infections),” he told MDR radio.

The 16 federal states were expected to decide on Wednesday to extend the “lockdown light” until December 20. This will keep bars, restaurants and entertainment venues shut while schools and shops stay open.

They also plan to reduce the number of people allowed to meet to five from December 1, but allow gatherings of up to 10 people over Christmas and New Year to let families and friends celebrate together, a draft proposal showed on Tuesday.

The trade association HDE warned that further restrictions could lead to long queues outside stores before the Christmas holidays. The e- commerce and mail order association have called for a temporary lifting of a ban on working on Sundays and public holidays.

The state chiefs will also discuss whether to split school classes into smaller units and teach them at varying times, as well as a possible earlier start of Christmas school holidays.

The government plans to extend financial aid for firms hit by the restrictions, which.

Around 27% of 13,000 companies surveyed by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce have said they are struggling with liquidity bottlenecks. One in 11 firms sees itself threatened by insolvency.