Prognosis

Merkel Weighs Tougher German Lockdown as Cases Exceed 2 Million

  • Chancellor meets with state leaders Tuesday to discuss virus
  • Complete closure of schools, public transport under discussion

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Photographer: Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture alliance via Getty Images

Lock
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A record number of coronavirus deaths in Germany underscored the urgency facing Angela Merkel as the chancellor seeks to tighten lockdown restrictions.

The German leader is working to reach a consensus with state premiers on additional curbs amid fears that a more contagious variant may cause infections to spiral out of control, a government official said. A meeting to review pandemic measures, which was slated for Jan. 25, was moved forward to Tuesday, according to her spokesman Steffen Seibert.