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Europe Goes into Reverse and Slams on Christmas Breaks

Jamie Dettmer

   German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ordered a Christmas lockdown amid
   an alarming rise in coronavirus cases in the country.

   Under new emergency measures, which will last from December 16 until
   January 10, all schools and non-essential shops across Germany are to
   close and bars and restaurants will remain shut.

   In a bid to deter outside gatherings during the period, the sale of
   fireworks is banned and so, too, drinking alcohol in public. The only
   concession for Christmas is that up to 10 people will be allowed to
   meet indoors -- currently a maximum of five people from two different
   households is allowed to gather in homes.

   Religious events in churches, synagogues and mosques may take place, if
   strict hygiene rules are observed, but communal singing is banned.

   "I would have wished for lighter measures. But due to Christmas
   shopping, the number of social contacts has risen considerably," Merkel
   told reporters in Berlin after a meeting of federal and state leaders.
   "There is an urgent need to take action," she added.

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