Germany’s lawmakers approved an end to pandemic restrictions despite a surge in cases. In the meantime, China reported its first deaths in over an entire year. Follow DW for the latest information.
On Friday, the German parliament passed a resolution to lift nationwide restrictions that were introduced to stop the spread of coronavirus. The vote was taken despite consistently high rates of infection.
Germany’s three-party government coalition pushed the bill forward, despite all opposition parties opposed. The Bundesrat, the upper house composed of representatives from each state, was also favored by the bill.
The law would permit the elimination of the national requirement for masks everywhere, except those in institutions where vulnerable individuals are housed, such as nursing homes and hospitals. Federal states would still be able to mandate face masks when traveling on public transportation.
“We can’t continue to shield the whole country to protect a small group of those unwilling from being vaccinated and those not willing to go along with the measures to protect them,” Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterback said.
In the meantime, Germany’s prevalence of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants over a week was at a record-high 1,706.3 in the week ending on Thursday, as reported by The Robert Koch Institute.
Here are the most recent coronavirus developments of major importance across the globe:
Asia
China on Saturday registered the first COVID-related deaths in over an entire year, even as the country is facing an omicron-driven increase. Health officials have confirmed the deaths of two people, both of them in Northeastern Jilin province.
This brings China’s death number at 4,638. Jilin province has now imposed an interdiction on travel, with individuals requiring permission from the police to cross borders.
Myanmar will end its ban of two years on foreign visitors, which will allow international flights for passengers to resume beginning on April 17.
The Central Committee of the National Government for Prevention, Treatment, and Control of Coronavirus Disease announced that COVID incidences are declining.
The decision was taken “to improve the tourism business sector and have a smooth trip for visitors who come to visit Myanmar.”
Hong Kong’s COVID cases surpassed the number one million after health officials confirmed 2007 new disease cases on Friday. The majority originated from the current wave that started in December.
The death toll in the area was 5401, from which more than 5200 people have died since February 9.
Europe
Dutch Prosecutors in the Netherlands announced that an anti-COVID activist well-known in the Netherlands who had protested against measures taken by the government in the Netherlands is expected to remain in detention for two weeks more for incitement charges.
was taken into custody on Wednesday morning in Rotterdam in the Netherlands after over 22,000 submitted the complaint against the Dutchman.
The 45-year old has become one of the most prominent figures for the Dutch anti-vaccine movement.
According to health officials, France has seen its rate of infection rise by 25% in the past week. It loosened the majority of its coronavirus regulations on Monday. The hospital admission rate is still high, but it’s stable.
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