Easter Lockdown Cancelled
Angela Merkel reversed Germany’s Easter lockdown after criticism from experts.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reversed the plans for a coronavirus lockdown over Easter due to criticism from experts and officials over the possible impact of the decree.

The plans had called for placing the country in a strict lockdown over the Easter holiday. The lockdown would have seen all shops and churches close from April 1-5.

Merkel's decision to reverse the decree came after sharp criticism that a plan to impose a strict lockdown over the Easter period could halt the economy.

Critics of the move, which included health experts and business leaders, said the lockdown could cause more harm than good, particularly the plans to allow grocery stores and supermarkets to open for a limited amount of time over the holiday. Others questioned the lost working hours and wages the move would entail.

It's a rare U-turn from a leader considered Europe's figurehead and seen as a steady hand during times of crisis. It's also a further signal that Germany, a country lauded for its initial response to the pandemic, is starting to feel the strain of difficult decisions having to be made as the pandemic continues to throw up new challenges and concerns.

Germany is not alone in having to adjust plans around Easter; Italy is to reimpose a national lockdown over the period for the second year running while Paris and other parts of France are again under a partial lockdown.