https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/02/europe/germany-lockdown-covid-restrictions-intl/index.html [ ] World * Africa * Americas * Asia * Australia * China * Europe * India * Middle East * United Kingdom Edition * U.S. * International * Arabic * Espanol * Africa * Americas * Asia * Australia * China * Europe * India * Middle East * United Kingdom [ ] Search Edition * U.S. * International * Arabic * Espanol --------------------------------------------------------------------- * US + Crime + Justice + Energy + Environment + Extreme Weather + Space + Science * World + Africa + Americas + Asia + Australia + China + Europe + India + Middle East + United Kingdom * Politics + The Biden Presidency + Facts First + US Elections * Business + Markets + Tech + Media + Success + Perspectives + Videos * Opinion + Political Op-Eds + Social Commentary * Health + Life, But Better + Fitness + Food + Sleep + Mindfulness + Relationships * Entertainment + Stars + Screen + Binge + Culture + Media * Tech + Innovate + Gadget + Foreseeable Future + Mission: Ahead + Upstarts + Work Transformed + Innovative Cities * Style + Arts + Design + Fashion + Architecture + Luxury + Beauty + Video * Travel + Destinations + Food and Drink + Stay + News + Videos * Sports + Pro Football + College Football + Basketball + Baseball + Soccer + Olympics + Hockey * Videos + Live TV + Digital Studios + CNN Films + HLN + TV Schedule + TV Shows A-Z + CNNVR * Audio * Coupons + CNN Underscored + Explore + Wellness + Gadgets + Lifestyle + CNN Store * Weather + Climate + Storm Tracker + Wildfire Tracker + Video * More + Photos + Longform + Investigations + CNN Profiles + CNN Leadership + CNN Newsletters + Work for CNN --------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow CNN * * * Germany locks down unvaccinated people, as leaders plan to make shots compulsory By Nadine Schmidt and Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Updated 4:10 PM ET, Thu December 2, 2021 What we know about Germany's latest Covid-19 lockdown What we know about Germany's latest Covid-19 lockdown JUST WATCHED What we know about Germany's latest Covid-19 lockdown Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH (16 Videos) 02 December 2021, Bavaria, Augsburg: Only a Christmas tree adorns the town hall square where the Christmas market cancelled due to the Corona pandemic was supposed to take place. Since Friday (26.11.), the incidence in Bavaria has dropped for the sixth time in a row. Nationwide, Bavaria currently has the fifth highest incidence. Photo: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa (Photo by Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance via Getty Images) 02 December 2021, Bavaria, Augsburg: Only a Christmas tree adorns the town hall square where the Christmas market cancelled due to the Corona pandemic was supposed to take place. Since Friday (26.11.), the incidence in Bavaria has dropped for the sixth time in a row. Nationwide, Bavaria currently has the fifth highest incidence. Photo: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa (Photo by Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance via Getty Images) What we know about Germany's latest Covid-19 lockdown South Africa Lab McKenzie dnt 1 South Africa Lab McKenzie dnt 1 This is the lab where Omicron was discovered [wAAACH5BAE] [2112011550] South Korea struggles with record Covid-19 cases [wAAACH5BAE] [2111300758] Germany is suffering through the worst outbreak since the pandemic began [wAAACH5BAE] [2111300734] Doctor treating Omicron patients describes what she is seeing LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a press conference after cases of the new Covid-19 variant were confirmed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2021 in London, England. UK authorities confirmed today that two cases of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant, which had prompted a flurry of travel bans affecting several countries in Southern Africa, were found in the UK. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a press conference after cases of the new Covid-19 variant were confirmed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2021 in London, England. UK authorities confirmed today that two cases of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant, which had prompted a flurry of travel bans affecting several countries in Southern Africa, were found in the UK. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images) Boris Johnson confirms Omicron covid cases in UK [wAAACH5BAE] [2111301654] The world scrambles to contain new Omicron variant Scientists work on the COVID-19 at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Prof Tulio de Oliveira, the director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation in South Africa, said there was an unusual constellation of mutations and that it was very different to other variants that have circulated. In a media briefing Prof de Oliveira said there were 50 mutations overall and more than 30 on the spike protein, which is the target of most vaccines and the key the virus uses to unlock the doorway into our body\'s cells. Scientists work on the COVID-19 at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Prof Tulio de Oliveira, the director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation in South Africa, said there was an unusual constellation of mutations and that it was very different to other variants that have circulated. In a media briefing Prof de Oliveira said there were 50 mutations overall and more than 30 on the spike protein, which is the target of most vaccines and the key the virus uses to unlock the doorway into our body\'s cells. Omicron variant sparks travel bans and worries scientists [wAAACH5BAE] [2111261222] South African epidemiologist says he's 'quite worried' about new Covid variant [wAAACH5BAE] [2111231329] AstraZeneca CEO on negative press: Our vaccine has been critical for people [wAAACH5BAE] [2111231650] Infectious-disease expert: Anti-vax movement is 'a social crisis' in Europe [wAAACH5BAE] [2111291408] WHO spokesperson: We should not punish countries for reporting cases A view people gather at the annual Christmas market during the first day of a nationwide lockdown for people not yet vaccinated against the novel coronavirus on Nov. 15, 2021 in Innsbruck, Austria. Starting today unvaccinated people may only leave their homes for a worthy reason, including going to work, buying groceries, going to the doctor or getting a vaccine shot. Austria is struggling to bring down a Covid infection rate that has reached over 770 infections per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. (Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/ Getty Images) A view people gather at the annual Christmas market during the first day of a nationwide lockdown for people not yet vaccinated against the novel coronavirus on Nov. 15, 2021 in Innsbruck, Austria. Starting today unvaccinated people may only leave their homes for a worthy reason, including going to work, buying groceries, going to the doctor or getting a vaccine shot. Austria is struggling to bring down a Covid infection rate that has reached over 770 infections per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. (Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/ Getty Images) Austria set to impose national lockdown amid Covid crisis [wAAACH5BAE] [2111181853] Germany breaks record with more than 65,000 new daily Covid-19 cases [wAAACH5BAE] [2111221311] Tens of thousands of Austrians protest against Covid restrictions A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'No to compulsory vaccination' during an anti-vaccination protest at the Ballhausplatz in Vienna, Austria, on November 14, 2021, after a Corona crisis' summit of the Austrian government. - Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said on November 14, that a nationwide lockdown would begin on November 15, for those not vaccinated against Covid-19 or recently recovered, as the EU member fights a record surge in cases. - Austria OUT (Photo by GEORG HOCHMUTH / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by GEORG HOCHMUTH/APA/AFP via Getty Images) A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'No to compulsory vaccination' during an anti-vaccination protest at the Ballhausplatz in Vienna, Austria, on November 14, 2021, after a Corona crisis' summit of the Austrian government. - Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said on November 14, that a nationwide lockdown would begin on November 15, for those not vaccinated against Covid-19 or recently recovered, as the EU member fights a record surge in cases. - Austria OUT (Photo by GEORG HOCHMUTH / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by GEORG HOCHMUTH/APA/AFP via Getty Images) Austrian chancellor defends 'drastic' vaccine mandate Berlin (CNN)Germany on Thursday announced a nationwide lockdown for the unvaccinated, as its leaders backed plans for mandatory vaccinations in the coming months. Unvaccinated people will be banned from accessing all but the most essential businesses, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, to curb the spread of coronavirus, outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor, Olaf Scholz, announced Thursday, following crisis talks with regional leaders. Those who have recently recovered from Covid-19 are not covered by the ban. The pair also backed proposals for mandatory vaccinations, which if voted through the parliament could take effect from February at the earliest. Under the tightened restrictions, unvaccinated people can only meet two people from another household. Bars and nightclubs must shut down in areas with an incidence rate above 350 cases per 100,000 people over one week. And the country would limit the number of people at large events like soccer matches. Acting Chancellor Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz hold a press conference on tightened Covid-19 restrictions Thursday. Acting Chancellor Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz hold a press conference on tightened Covid-19 restrictions Thursday. Acting Chancellor Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz hold a press conference on tightened Covid-19 restrictions Thursday. The announcement comes as Germany battles a surge in cases that has pushed Europe back to the epicenter of the pandemic, heightening fears over the newly discovered Omicron variant. Read More The press briefing is also Merkel's last before she leaves office; a grim note to end her 16 years as German chancellor. "We have understood that the situation is very serious and that we want to take further measures in addition to those already taken," Merkel told reporters at Thursday's news conference. "The fourth wave must be broken and this has not yet been achieved," she added. A nationwide vaccination mandate could come into effect from February 2022 -- after it is debated in parliament and following guidance from Germany's Ethics Council, Merkel said. She added that vaccinated people will lose their vaccination status nine months after getting their last shot, apparently in an effort to encourage booster uptake. Europe mulls mandates If approved, Germany's vaccine mandate would follow in the footsteps of neighboring Austria, which also plans to make inoculations for eligible adults compulsory from February. Elsewhere, Greece announced that vaccines would be mandatory for people aged over 60 from mid-January. Those refusing to do so would face 100 euro (US $113) fines for each passing month, the government said Tuesday. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was time to "potentially think about mandatory vaccination" within the bloc, as it faces the double onslaught of a fourth coronavirus wave and concerns over the Omicron variant discovered by South African health officials last week. Making Covid-19 vaccines mandatory was once unthinkable. But European countries are showing it can work Making Covid-19 vaccines mandatory was once unthinkable. But European countries are showing it can work Making Covid-19 vaccines mandatory was once unthinkable. But European countries are showing it can work "Two or three years ago, I would never have thought to witness what we see right now, that we have this horrible pandemic, we have the vaccines, the life-saving vaccines, but they are not being used adequately everywhere," von der Leyen told a press briefing Wednesday. "How we can encourage and potentially think about mandatory vaccination within the European Union, this needs discussion. This needs a common approach but it is a discussion that I think has to be led," she added. Germany, much like Austria, has one of the lowest vaccination rates in western Europe, with 68.4% and 65.6% of eligible adults vaccinated respectively, according to the ECDC. Surging cases Germany continues to see a record-breaking number of cases, particularly in its eastern states. On Wednesday, the country recorded 446 Covid-19 related deaths -- its highest number of daily deaths in nine months. Many hospitals are struggling to cope with the increasing number of intensive care patients. There could be around 6,000 Covid-19 patients in intensive care by Christmas -- regardless of any measures implemented by Germany's leaders -- the country's Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency (Divi) warned Wednesday. Already, more than 102,000 people in Germany have died as a result of coronavirus, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the national disease and control center. CNN's Sheena McKenzie contributed to this report * * * * * * * [ ] Search * US + Crime + Justice + Energy + Environment + Extreme Weather + Space + Science * World + Africa + Americas + Asia + Australia + China + Europe + India + Middle East + United Kingdom * Politics + The Biden Presidency + Facts First + US Elections * Business + Markets + Tech + Media + Success + Perspectives + Videos * Opinion + Political Op-Eds + Social Commentary * Health + Life, But Better + Fitness + Food + Sleep + Mindfulness + Relationships * Entertainment + Stars + Screen + Binge + Culture + Media * Tech + Innovate + Gadget + Foreseeable Future + Mission: Ahead + Upstarts + Work Transformed + Innovative Cities * Style + Arts + Design + Fashion + Architecture + Luxury + Beauty + Video * Travel + Destinations + Food and Drink + Stay + News + Videos * Sports + Pro Football + College Football + Basketball + Baseball + Soccer + Olympics + Hockey * Videos + Live TV + Digital Studios + CNN Films + HLN + TV Schedule + TV Shows A-Z + CNNVR * Audio * Coupons + CNN Underscored + Explore + Wellness + Gadgets + Lifestyle + CNN Store * Weather + Climate + Storm Tracker + Wildfire Tracker + Video * More + Photos + Longform + Investigations + CNN Profiles + CNN Leadership + CNN Newsletters + Work for CNN --------------------------------------------------------------------- World Follow CNN * * * --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Terms of Use * Privacy Policy * Accessibility & CC * Ad Choices * About Us * CNN Store * Newsletters * Transcripts * License Footage * CNN Newsource * Sitemap (c) 2021 Cable News Network.A Warner Media Company.All Rights Reserved. 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