‘Situation is very serious’: Merkel pushes for ‘emergency brake’ powers to prevent third wave

If passed, measures will apply to areas of Germany where the seven-day incidence of Covid is above 100 per 100,000, Matt Mathers writes

(EPA)

Angela Merkel is pushing parliament to pass a bill that would give the federal government powers to impose stricter Covid-19 lockdown measures in areas where the disease is spreading too quickly.

Some of the tougher rules would include restricting restaurants to take away services, limits on the number of people taking part in sport and a nighttime curfew.

The measures, which have dubbed an “emergency brake”, have been approved by Ms Merkel’s cabinet but will not become law without the approval of MPs.