COVID-19: Mandatory jabs considered in Germany from February as tougher restrictions brought in for unvaccinated

Unvaccinated people in Germany are to be excluded from non-essential stores, cultural and recreational venues, Chancellor Angela Merkel has said.

In addition, parliament will consider making coronavirus jabs mandatory from February as the country battles rising cases.

About 68.7% of the population in Germany is fully vaccinated, far below the 75% minimum ministers are aiming for.

The effort to get jabs into more arms will be boosted by adding dentists and pharmacists to those administering them.

Speaking after a meeting with federal and state leaders, Mrs Merkel said the measures were necessary amid concern hospitals could be overwhelmed.

Some hospitals in the south and east have transferred patients to other parts of Germany because of a shortage of intensive care beds.

The new Omicron variant is adding to health officials' worries.

Mrs Merkel said she was "depressed" by the strength of the fourth wave of infections in the country, adding she had been hoping a voluntary approach to immunisation would be more effective.

The situation regarding COVID in Germany is "very serious", she added, describing the new measures as an "act of national solidarity".

"The fourth wave must be broken and this has not yet been achieved," she said.

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