Merkel announced the extension of the quarantine until February 14

The German authorities have decided to extend the strict quarantine measures until mid-February. This was announced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel following negotiations with the heads of the federal states.

The measures must be extended until February 14, Merkel said. According to her, the reduction in the number of people infected is a reason for hope, but the new strain of coronavirus is especially dangerous, so the restrictions cannot be mitigated yet, writes TASS.

When visiting stores and on public transport, residents of Germany are ordered to wear medical masks or respirators (previously it was allowed to use rag masks or cover the nose and mouth with a scarf). As before, representatives of one household can meet with a maximum of one person. Schools and kindergartens will remain closed. “We understand that these measures require a lot from citizens, but we need to continue to think ahead,” Merkel stressed.

Earlier it was reported that a new mutation of the coronavirus was found in Germany. The new strain has been identified in several patients at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen hospital. So far, experts cannot give exact answers about the features of this mutation. This requires more research.