Iran Press/Europe: "I truly believe that we will succeed in the task before us, so long as all the citizens of this country understand that it is also their task,” Angela Merkel said, according to German media outlets.
"So let me say this: The situation is serious. Please take it seriously. Since German unification, indeed since the Second World War, there has been no challenge to our nation that has demanded such a degree of common and united action," she added.
"Millions of you cannot work, cannot take your children to schools or kindergartens. Theaters, cinemas, and stores are closed. And perhaps most difficult of all, we cannot have the contacts to one another that we otherwise take for granted,” she added. “It’s natural that in a situation such as this, we have many questions and concerns about how things will continue."
Finally, Merkel denounced the massive purchases of certain foodstuffs in supermarkets.
"Storage has a meaning, But in moderation. To accumulate as if there would soon be nothing left is useless and completely lacking in solidarity," she argued.
Merkel's government has advised the country's 16 regions to shut schools and daycare facilities until the end of the Easter holiday. Shops, except for grocery stores, bakeries, pharmacies banks, and other essential businesses have been shut.
Earlier, Germany's banking regulator BaFin said it was cutting capital requirements to boost bank lending.
Germany has in particular implemented very strict controls at its land borders with France, Austria, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Switzerland, only allowing the passage of heavy goods vehicles for supplies and cross-border workers.
An Institute in Germany has said that up to 10 million people could become infected with Coronavirus over the coming months if emergency measures are not followed.
Germany has recorded more than 12000 cases of coronavirus infection as of Thursday, with 31 deaths. 212/ 104
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