Merkel to Push for Tougher Curbs in Battle to Tame Surging Virus

Germany is heading for harsher restrictions on movement and contact, as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government attempts to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus spiraling out of control.

Merkel will propose the tougher national curbs -- including measures like closing restaurants and banning major events -- to the country’s 16 state premiers at a meeting on Wednesday. Unlike the previous lockdown in the spring, every effort will be made to keep Europe’s biggest economy running and schools and daycare centers will stay open unless they are in regions with exceptionally high infection rates.