German official warns of ‘really terrible Christmas’ without steps to counter surge in infections

The director of Germany’s disease control agency said Thursday the country could have a “really terrible Christmas” if it doesn’t take steps to counter the surge in COVID-19 infections. 

Lothar Wieler, director of the Robert Koch Institute, is calling for large events to be canceled and clubs and bars to shut down in order to combat a rise in infections, The Associated Press reported.

Along with the closures, Wieler wants COVID-19 vaccine passports to be used for many public venues and businesses, according to the news service.

“We are currently heading toward a serious emergency,” Wieler said. “We are going to have a really terrible Christmas if we don’t take countermeasures now.”

His remarks come after the agency recently recorded 65,371 new cases in one day. 

Germany currently has 67 percent of its population vaccinated against the virus, with Wieler saying that needs to be above 75 percent. 

Lawmakers in the country are looking to enact new coronavirus restrictions that would last until the end of November, the AP noted. 

Anthony Fauci, the United States’ top infectious diseases expert, recently said families who are vaccinated can “feel good about enjoying a typical” Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. 

“If you get vaccinated and your family’s vaccinated, you can feel good about enjoying a typical Thanksgiving, Christmas with your family and close friends,” he said.

“When you go to indoor congregate settings, go the extra mile, be safe, wear a mask,” Fauci added. “But when you are with your family at home, goodness, enjoy it with your parents, your children, your grandparents. There’s no reason not to do that.”