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Merkel Warns Toughest Months in Pandemic Fight Are Still to Come

  • German chancellor says vaccines provide a ‘glimmer of hope’
  • Merkel’s comments echoed by World Health Organization experts
Angela Merkel during a virtual event on Jan. 7.

Angela Merkel during a virtual event on Jan. 7.

Photographer: Kay Nietfeld/AFP/Getty Images 

Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that “the most difficult months” in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic still lie ahead.

After extending and tightening lockdown restrictions earlier this week, Merkel’s stern message came as daily fatalities in Germany exceeded 1,000 for a second consecutive day, pushing the death toll to nearly 38,000.