German Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for international cooperation in search for vaccine

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for international cooperation in the search for a vaccine for the new coronavirus.

During her weekly video address on Saturday, Merkel said "anyone can fall ill with the virus" and therefore "global cooperation" and "joint action" was necessary.

"We as a country are convinced that only joint international, multilateral action will allow us to overcome this pandemic," she said.

According to the chancellor, an estimated 8 billion euros (8.9 billion US dollars) are still needed to develop a vaccine and the donors' conference on 4 May is an important starting point.

Merkel said Germany would make a "significant financial contribution".

Germany has registered more than 164,000 COVID-19 cases but seen about 6,700 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

Image Credits: AP