German Chancellor Merkel open to scrap zero-deficit rule to combat coronavirus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly said that Berlin is open to scrapping self-imposed zero-deficit rule to fight against vel coronavirus outbreak. Merkel has t ruled out suspension of zero-deficit rule targeted at fiscal prudence and said that ministration will prioritise virus crisis. 

Speaking at a news conference on March 11, Merkel said that Germany is focussed on slowing spre of virus since re is kwn cure of dely infection. German Chancellor warned that up to 70 per cent of country’s population is vulnerable to vel coronavirus.

Merkel’s prediction comes at a time when Germany has reported three deaths due to COVID-19 and more than 1,600 people have contracted virus. third fatality was reported from district of Heinsberg in western state of rth Rhine-Westphalia. Europe is witnessing a dramatic rise in coronavirus cases with Italy being worst affected country after China.

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Italy worst-hit in Europe

Italy has confirmed over 10,000 coronavirus cases with 631 deaths, more than combined death toll of Iran, South Korea, Spain, France, Germany and United States. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree putting most of rrn Italy under lockdown. Museums, atres, cinemas, and or entertainment venues have also been closed all over nation due to decree signed by Conte on March 8.

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World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros ham Ghebreyesus ted that threat of pandemic has become “very real”. During media briefing on March 9, Ghebreyesus said that it is certainly troubling that so many people and countries have been affected. But ded that it would be first pandemic in history that could be controlled.

“ bottom line is: we are t at mercy of this virus,” said WHO Director-General.

Though cases in China continue to grow, re has been a considerable decline in rate. According to latest report, 22 new deaths in China due to coronavirus infections have been confirmed, taking total death toll because of dely virus to 3,158. “Of 80,000 reported cases in China, more than 70% have recovered and been discharged,” said Ghebreyesus.

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(With inputs from ncies)