Germany Imposes Nationwide Lockdown for the Unvaccinated
Germany has announced tighter restrictions for those who remain unvaccinated against COVID-19. Local media has coined it the "lockdown for the unvaccinated."
People who are not vaccinated will not be able to access non-essential shops, restaurants, or places of culture or leisure, like soccer games. Those with natural immunity that have recently recovered from COVID, will be admitted.
About 68.7% of Germany's population is fully vaccinated, well below the 75% minimum their government is aiming for.
The announcement was made by Chancellor Angela Merkel who met with her soon to be successor Olaf Scholz and the leaders of the country's 16 regions to discuss plans for further restrictions.
“The situation in our country is serious,” [calling the measure an] “act of national solidarity.”
Angela Merkel, Germany's Chancellor
Vaccination may also become mandatory in Germany by February 2022. Merkel announced that plans have for mandatory vaccination have been debated in parliament and decisions will come soon.
Germany is currently seeing a rise in cases, hospitalizations & ICU admissions.
“We have very many citizens who are vaccinated but not enough to prevent another wave of infections. Those who have not been vaccinated must do so, and that’s my very urgent personal appeal.”
Many are frustrated by statements like this from political leaders as they do not follow science. COVID vaccines do not stop transmission or infection, calling into question whether mandates and vaccination can stop the spread of COVID. Further, the new Omicron variant made its way around the world via vaccinated people who were able to travel.
Thousands have protested in Germany after prior coronavirus restrictions were announced. It's expected more protests will emerge following these announcements as well.
Just weeks ago, Austria became the first country to make vaccines mandatory, and Greece said it will start charging a fine for adults over 60 years old who are unvaccinated. .