Italy And Germany Extend Lockdowns As Coronavirus Cases Spiral

Italy and Germany, major countries in Europe have extended lockdowns as a result of spread of coronavirus cases

OpenLife Nigeria reports that Italy and Germany have considered extending lockdown in their respective countries.
Italy and Germany were both part of the Triple Alliance but they became enemies during World War I. Germany has an embassy in Rome and consulates in Milan and Naples, while Italy has an embassy in Berlin and consulates in Frankfurt,
According to available information, Italy’s government announced on Tuesday that most of the coronavirus restrictions imposed in the country during the Christmas break would be extended until January 15.
People in Italy will be allowed to visit friends only once a day, in meetings capped at a maximum of two adults.
And according to a new government decree, travel between regions will be forbidden except for health or work reasons. Restrictions have also been imposed on the hospitality industry, with bars and restaurants only permitted to provide takeaway services.

Similarly, Germany’s government announced Tuesday it will extend the country’s national lockdown — which had been due to end on January 10 — until the end of the month and will tighten restrictions on movement.
“We will have to harden measures,” Chancellor Angela Merkel told journalists following a meeting with Germany’s 16 regional leaders in Berlin, warning that hospitals across the country were already overwhelmed, particularly intensive care units.
Under the new measures, all non-essential stores, restaurants, schools and nurseries will be required to remain shut. People will only be permitted to meet one other person outside of their own home.
“We need to restrict contact more strictly…we ask all citizens to restrict contact to the absolute minimum,” Merkel said.
And in Greece, the government has imposed a strict — but brief — lockdown, from January 3 until 6 a.m. on January 11.
“Covid-19 cases are still high and the pressure on the national health system continues,” Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said in a press briefing on January 2.
“We stay home for these few days, and on January 11 we return to the current situation with our schools open.”
Schools shut their doors
At the heart of many of Europe’s restrictions are school closures.