<p>Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Germans on Saturday to curb social contacts and keep travel to a minimum, making a personal appeal after the federal and state governments struggled to agree on ways to contain a second wave of coronavirus infection.</p>.<p>"We have to do everything to prevent the virus from spreading out of control. Every day counts," Merkel said in her weekly video podcast.</p>.<p>While Germany's infection rates have been lower than in much of Europe, they have been accelerating and hit a daily record high of 7,830 on Saturday, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infections diseases.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/coronavirus-updates-cases-deaths-country-wise-worldometers-info-data-covid-19-834531.html">Coronavirus Worldometer | 15 countries with the highest number of cases, deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>.<p>The reported death toll rose by 33 to 9,767.</p>.<p>German leaders were unable this week to reach a consensus on strong new measures to contain the second Covid-19 wave. Courts in several regions have, meanwhile, overturned bans on hotel stays for visitors from infection hotspots.</p>.<p>Politicians and health experts have appealed to the population to take voluntary measures over and above those already prescribed - including wearing masks, avoiding close contact with others and hand washing.</p>.<p>"We have to go further," Merkel said. "I appeal to you: Meet with fewer people, either at home or outside.</p>.<p>"Please forsake any journey that is not absolutely essential, every party that is not absolutely essential. Stay at home, where at all possible."</p>
<p>Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Germans on Saturday to curb social contacts and keep travel to a minimum, making a personal appeal after the federal and state governments struggled to agree on ways to contain a second wave of coronavirus infection.</p>.<p>"We have to do everything to prevent the virus from spreading out of control. Every day counts," Merkel said in her weekly video podcast.</p>.<p>While Germany's infection rates have been lower than in much of Europe, they have been accelerating and hit a daily record high of 7,830 on Saturday, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infections diseases.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/coronavirus-updates-cases-deaths-country-wise-worldometers-info-data-covid-19-834531.html">Coronavirus Worldometer | 15 countries with the highest number of cases, deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>.<p>The reported death toll rose by 33 to 9,767.</p>.<p>German leaders were unable this week to reach a consensus on strong new measures to contain the second Covid-19 wave. Courts in several regions have, meanwhile, overturned bans on hotel stays for visitors from infection hotspots.</p>.<p>Politicians and health experts have appealed to the population to take voluntary measures over and above those already prescribed - including wearing masks, avoiding close contact with others and hand washing.</p>.<p>"We have to go further," Merkel said. "I appeal to you: Meet with fewer people, either at home or outside.</p>.<p>"Please forsake any journey that is not absolutely essential, every party that is not absolutely essential. Stay at home, where at all possible."</p>