German leaders disagree over pandemic measures +++ Reopening in New York's cultural scene | DW News

The German federal government is planning to pass new legislation to allow it to impose uniform coronavirus restrictions across the country, taking control from the states.

The move by Merkel's government follows weeks of frustration over varied handling of the rise in cases by Germany's 16 state leaders.

The government and state heads had agreed on an "emergency brake" to be imposed when the rate of infection goes above 100 per 100,000 in the past seven days. But the leaders of some states have followed a loose interpretation of the agreed response.

Merkel has expressed her own criticisms of the lack of uniform restrictions and brought up the possibility of drawing up legislation to hand the federal government powers to overrule the states.

Meanwhile, New York City's cultural scene is seeing some glimmers of hope. With millions of residents now vaccinated against the coronavirus, some arts and entertainment venues are being allowed to reopen. The excitement is palpable.

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