Merkel urges Germans to accept ‘tough’ restrictions

Berlin, April 25

Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Germans to accept nationwide pandemic restrictions that came into force at midnight, resulting in a 10 pm-5 am curfews, further limits on personal contacts and access to non-essential stores in regions with high infection rates.

In her weekly video address, Merkel acknowledged the new rules were “tough” but insisted they were needed to curb the spread of the virus in the country. She cited Britain, Portugal and Ireland, which had infection rates sharply reduced during strict lockdowns. — AP