'Basically In A New Pandemic,' Says Merkel, As Germany Extends...

'Basically In A New Pandemic,' Says Merkel, As Germany Extends Lockdown
March 23, 20219:30 AM ET

Speaking early Tuesday, Merkel said restrictions would be extended until April 18. She called on citizens to stay home and for shops to close for five days over the Easter holiday.
"We are now basically in a new pandemic. The British mutation has become dominant," Merkel said after late-night videoconference sessions with leaders of Germany's 16 states.
"Fundamentally, we face a new virus of the same kind but with very different characteristics," she said. "More deadly, more infectious, and infectious for longer."
The move marks an about-face for Germany, where leaders earlier this month had set in motion a gradual easing of restrictions.