Merkel Calls Coronavirus 'Biggest Challenge Since WWII'

Germany is facing its biggest challenge "since the Second World War" in the fight against the coronavirus, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday, in what observers called a "final warning" for citizens to heed sweeping confinement measures.

In a dramatic television appeal, Merkel said everyone played a part in slowing down a pandemic that has raced across the globe and triggered unprecedented peace-time lockdowns.

"The situation is serious. Take it seriously. Not since German reunification, no, not since the Second World War has our country faced a challenge that depends so much on our collective solidarity," she said.

Although her 15 years in office have been marked by blows like the financial crisis, the 2015 refugee crisis and Brexit, the veteran leader has never taken to the airwaves to address citizens directly outside of traditional New Year's greetings.

"I truly believe we can succeed in this task, if all citizens truly understand their own tasks," Merkel said.

German authorities have shut down schools, many businesses and public spaces in recent days in increasingly desperate attempts to stem the spread of the virus.

The country has, however, stopped short of ordering people to stay home, in contrast to tougher restrictions introduced in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain.

Instead, Germans have continued to go outside to enjoy the spring sunshine and socialise, even holding "corona parties".

Although Merkel did not announce any tougher measures in her speech, she said that could change at any time.

Broadcaster NTV joined several German newspapers in describing the address as Merkel's "final warning" to avoid mandatory lockdowns.

The best-selling Bild tabloid called it a "historic" and stirring speech that marked a change in tone for the "usually so sober chancellor".

Merkel, who hails from Germany's former communist East, said she understood how hard it was to give up "hard-fought rights" like freedom of movement and travel.

Such decisions were never taken lightly in a democracy, she said, and could only be temporary. "But they are necessary right now to save lives."

Europe's top economy on Monday introduced strict checks on its land frontiers with France, Austria, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland, allowing through only cross-border commuters and delivery trucks.

The German interior ministry expanded those restrictions on Wednesday evening to include European air and sea traffic.

Starting immediately, there will be checks on flights arriving from Italy, Spain, France, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Luxembourg, as well as on ships arriving from Denmark.

Those with "an urgent reason for travel and professional commuters" will be asked to show documentation to justify their arrival, the ministry said in a statement, while others will be denied entry.

Merkel's speech echoed that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who in a sombre address on Monday likened the outbreak to war.

Germany is among the countries worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with latest figures showing 12 deaths and 8,198 confirmed cases on Wednesday, a jump of 1,042 from the previous day.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for public health warned there could be 10 million cases within two to three months if people do not avoid contact.

"Germany has an excellent health system," Merkel said, thanking doctors and other medical workers "on the front line".

Nevertheless, "even our hospitals will be overwhelmed if too many patients are brought in with serious symptoms of the coronavirus in a short time", the conservative leader added.

The government earlier Wednesday said it planned to ramp up intensive care capabilities.

Federal and state officials separately announced they could commandeer spaces like hotels and rehabilitation centres to treat people with milder symptoms.

In her speech, Merkel reiterated that Berlin "will do everything it can to cushion the economic impact and preserve jobs" and discouraged citizens from hoarding.

"Even if some shelves are emptied on one day, they will be replenished," she promised, adding her thanks to those working in the food industry.