Covid-19: Germany warns unvaccinated people may face restrictions

Club goers register to be tested for the coronavirus at a test station to enter a nightclub in Berlin’s Friedrichshain district on July 23. Pic/AFP

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff says restrictions for unvaccinated people may be necessary if case numbers reach new heights in the coming months.

But Helge Braun said in an interview with the newspaper Bild am Sonntag that he doesn't expect another coronavirus-related lockdown in Germany.

Braun said that unvaccinated people may be barred from entering venues like restaurants, movie theaters and stadiums "because the residual risk is too high."

Braun said getting vaccinated is important to protect against severe disease and because "vaccinated people will definitely have more freedoms than unvaccinated people." Braun said that such policies would be legal because "the state has the responsibility to protect the health of its citizens."

Germany's vaccine efforts have slowed in recent weeks and that has led to discussions about how to encourage those who haven't yet received a vaccine to do so. More than 60 per cent of the German population has received at least one dose while over 49 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Six people arrested in London during protest

As many as six people were arrested and four police officers were injured during anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protest in Central London on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police has said.

‘US headed in wrong direction'

The US is in an "unnecessary predicament" of soaring Covid-19 cases fuelled by the unvaccinated and the delta variant, the nation's top infectious diseases expert said Sunday. "We're going in the wrong direction,'' said Dr Anthony Fauci, describing himself as "very frustrated." He said recommending the vaccinated wear masks is "under active consideration'' by leading public health officials. Also, booster shots may be suggested for vaccinated people with suppressed immune systems, he said.

Macron appeals

French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for national unity and vaccination to fight the virus, and lashed out at those fueling anti-vaccination sentiment and protests.

4,83,475
No. of new cases reported globally in the past 24 hours

19,22,84,207
Total no. of cases worldwide

41,36,518
Total no. of deaths worldwide

Source: WHO/Johns Hopkins