German residents rally against restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic
Photo: Globallookpress.com
Thousands of protests against coronavirus restrictions and compulsory vaccinations were held throughout Germany. Deutsche Welle reports.
According to police, about 15 thousand protesters gathered in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, dissatisfied with the state's interference in private life due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Rostock, officials counted around 6,500 participants. In Schwerin, about 2,700 residents took part in the action, and in Neubrandenburg about 2,400 people.
Protest marches were held in other cities as well. In the south of Brandenburg, 9,000 people gathered in 16 places for a demonstration. Another 5,000 people gathered in Magdeburg to voice their discontent with the government's plans for mandatory vaccinations. In Bavaria, an unauthorized rally led to clashes with the police. Eight police officers and several participants, including a four-year-old child, were injured.
Earlier in Germany, the first death from the omicron strain of the coronavirus was recorded. The deceased patient was about 60 years old.
On December 20, the German authorities announced that they plan to introduce restrictions on social contacts for all citizens from December 28 amid the spread of the omicron strain of the coronavirus. New epidemiological measures will affect both vaccinated citizens and those who have refused vaccination and have recovered from coronavirus infection.
