'New pandemic': Merkel seeks to tackle British variant with Easter lockdown

German chancellor supports EU chief's threat to block AstraZeneca vaccines from being exported as country faces very serious situation'

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Germany is in a new pandemic" in which the British Covid variant is dominant, Angela Merkel has said, as she announced a strict shutdown over Easter to halt soaring infection rates.

Merkel said the country was in a very serious" situation and was racing to get vaccinations done. Social gatherings would be limited over Easter, with 1 - 5 April designated quiet days" when no more than five adults from two households will be able to meet at home at once.