BERLIN, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Germany may keep its COVID-19-related restrictions in place during the first months of 2021, German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said in an interview published by newspaper Die Welt on Saturday.
"As long as incidence rates in most of Germany exceed 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, we do not control the pandemic," said Altmaier. "Therefore, unfortunately, the measures cannot be canceled; it is possible that the restrictions will remain in force in the first months of 2021."
Germany's COVID-19 caseload has topped 1 million so far, and federal and state governments extended a partial lockdown including the closure of restaurants, bars, theaters and leisure facilities until Dec. 20.
As the second wave of the pandemic hits the country, which led to new restrictions on public life, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has offered encouragement to the Germans in her weekly video podcast released Saturday.
"We have come a long way," the German leader said, urging the German people to follow the safety rules during the Christmas period.
"Because we will experience that it will be worthwhile. Because together we will be stronger than the virus," she said. Enditem
