Merkel calls on all Germans to get shots quickly to avoid bad virus winter

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday called on all unvaccinated Germans to get their shots as quickly as possible as the country’s coronavirus infection rate hits the latest in a string of new highs and death numbers are growing.

“If we stand together, if we think about protecting ourselves and caring for others, we can save our country a lot this winter,” Merkel said in her weekly podcast.

The chancellor warned that “these are very difficult weeks ahead of us.”

Germany’s disease control center said that Germany’s infection rate climbed to 277.4 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days, up from 263.7 the previous day.

The Robert Koch Institute reported 45,081 new infections, two days after the daily total topped 50,000 for the first time.

Another 228 Covid-19 deaths brought Germany’s total in the pandemic so far to 97,617.

While the infection rate isn’t yet as high as in some other European countries, its relentless rise in Germany has set off alarm bells. Outgoing Chancellor Merkel plans to meet with the country’s 16 state governors to coordinate nationwide measures next week, and parliament is mulling legislation that would provide a new legal framework for restrictions over the winter.

Merkel expressed her concern about the high number of intensive care patients and rising death numbers — especially in regions with low vaccination rates.

“Think about it again,” Merkel said to those who still hadn’t got the jab. “We just need to grab it, grab it fast.”

“I am asking you: Join us, and try to convince relatives and friends as well,” she added.

Also on Saturday, the government started offering free rapid Covid-19 tests again. They were scrapped a month ago in an effort to persuade more people to get vaccinated.