1 00:00:01,104 --> 00:00:03,745 Fellow citizens, 2 00:00:03,745 --> 00:00:08,999 The coronavirus is changing daily life in our country dramatically at the present. 3 00:00:08,999 --> 00:00:10,715 Our idea of normality, 4 00:00:10,715 --> 00:00:15,494 of public life, social togetherness 5 00:00:15,494 --> 00:00:19,246 - all of this is being put to the test as never before. 6 00:00:19,246 --> 00:00:21,716 Millions of you cannot go to work, 7 00:00:21,716 --> 00:00:25,244 your children cannot go to school or kindergarten, 8 00:00:25,244 --> 00:00:28,496 theatres and cinemas and shops are closed, 9 00:00:28,496 --> 00:00:30,992 and, perhaps what is most difficult, 10 00:00:31,243 --> 00:00:32,994 we all miss social encounters 11 00:00:33,492 --> 00:00:35,242 that we otherwise take for granted. 12 00:00:35,492 --> 00:00:40,217 Of course, each of us has many questions and concerns in a situation like this, 13 00:00:40,217 --> 00:00:41,214 about the days ahead. 14 00:00:42,566 --> 00:00:46,402 I’m addressing you in this unconventional way today 15 00:00:46,652 --> 00:00:50,154 because I want to tell you what guides me as Federal Chancellor 16 00:00:50,154 --> 00:00:54,653 and all my colleagues in the Federal Government in this situation. 17 00:00:54,653 --> 00:00:58,155 This is part of what open democracy is about: 18 00:00:58,155 --> 00:01:02,652 that we make political decisions transparent and explain them. 19 00:01:02,652 --> 00:01:06,652 That we justify and communicate our actions as best we can, 20 00:01:06,652 --> 00:01:08,903 so that people are able to understand them. 21 00:01:08,903 --> 00:01:13,655 I firmly believe that we will pass this test 22 00:01:13,655 --> 00:01:19,653 if all citizens genuinely see this as THEIR task. 23 00:01:19,653 --> 00:01:24,853 Allow me therefore to say that this is serious. 24 00:01:24,853 --> 00:01:27,102 Please also take this seriously. 25 00:01:27,102 --> 00:01:28,967 Since German reunification, 26 00:01:28,967 --> 00:01:34,103 no, since the Second World War, there has not been a challenge for our country 27 00:01:34,103 --> 00:01:40,105 in which action in a spirit of solidarity on our part was so important. 28 00:01:40,318 --> 00:01:45,503 I would like explain where we currently stand in this epidemic 29 00:01:45,503 --> 00:01:49,254 and what the Federal Government and the state levels are doing 30 00:01:49,254 --> 00:01:52,004 to protect everyone in our community 31 00:01:52,004 --> 00:01:57,008 and to limit the economic, social and cultural fallout. 32 00:01:57,503 --> 00:02:02,254 However, I also want to tell you why all of you are needed here, 33 00:02:02,254 --> 00:02:06,253 and what each and every individual can do to help. 34 00:02:07,003 --> 00:02:10,851 As far as the epidemic is concerned – and everything I tell you about this 35 00:02:10,851 --> 00:02:14,104 comes from the Federal Government’s ongoing consultations with the experts 36 00:02:14,602 --> 00:02:18,602 from the Robert Koch Institute and other scientists and virologists: 37 00:02:18,602 --> 00:02:21,606 the most intensive research is being conducted around the world, 38 00:02:21,606 --> 00:02:27,601 but there is still neither a way to treat the coronavirus, nor is there a vaccine. 39 00:02:27,852 --> 00:02:31,502 As long as this is the case – 40 00:02:32,003 --> 00:02:34,504 and this is what is guiding all of our actions – then only one thing matters, 41 00:02:35,001 --> 00:02:38,003 namely that we slow the spread of the virus, 42 00:02:38,003 --> 00:02:42,503 flatten the curve over the course of several months and buy time. 43 00:02:42,503 --> 00:02:47,503 Time in which the research community can develop a medicine and vaccine. 44 00:02:47,503 --> 00:02:55,003 But, above all, time to allow those who fall ill to receive the best possible treatment. 45 00:02:56,353 --> 00:02:59,003 Germany has an excellent healthcare system, 46 00:02:59,003 --> 00:03:01,254 perhaps one of the best in the world. 47 00:03:01,752 --> 00:03:03,504 We can take solace in this. 48 00:03:04,002 --> 00:03:07,755 But our hospitals would also be completely overwhelmed 49 00:03:07,755 --> 00:03:11,753 if, in the shortest space of time, too many patients were admitted, 50 00:03:11,753 --> 00:03:15,503 suffering severe symptoms as a result of the virus. 51 00:03:16,553 --> 00:03:19,703 These are not just abstract numbers in statistics, 52 00:03:19,703 --> 00:03:24,854 but this is about a father or grandfather, a mother or grandmother, 53 00:03:24,854 --> 00:03:28,107 a partner – this is about people. 54 00:03:28,605 --> 00:03:33,852 And we are a community in which each life and each person counts. 55 00:03:34,102 --> 00:03:38,752 I would like first of all to address all those 56 00:03:38,752 --> 00:03:43,752 who as doctors, nurses or in a different capacity 57 00:03:44,002 --> 00:03:48,002 work in our hospitals and in our healthcare system in general. 58 00:03:48,002 --> 00:03:52,403 You are on the front lines of this fight for us. 59 00:03:52,403 --> 00:03:58,151 You are the first to see the sick and to see how severe the symptoms of the virus can sometimes be. 60 00:03:58,151 --> 00:04:02,902 And, day in, day out, you keep going back to work and are there to help people. 61 00:04:02,902 --> 00:04:08,402 You are doing tremendous work, and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. 62 00:04:08,904 --> 00:04:15,903 So, our aim is to slow the virus down as it makes its way through Germany. 63 00:04:16,153 --> 00:04:21,402 And we must, and this is absolutely vital, focus our attention on one thing above all else, 64 00:04:21,903 --> 00:04:25,403 namely powering down public life as far as possible. 65 00:04:25,902 --> 00:04:30,908 With reason and a sense of proportion, of course, since the state will continue to function. 66 00:04:30,908 --> 00:04:34,905 It goes without saying that supply chains will continue to be guaranteed, 67 00:04:34,905 --> 00:04:39,153 and we want to keep as much economic activity going as possible. 68 00:04:39,652 --> 00:04:45,402 But we must now reduce everything that could put people at risk, 69 00:04:45,402 --> 00:04:50,402 everything that could harm not only individuals, but also the community. 70 00:04:50,402 --> 00:04:54,653 We must limit the risk of one person infecting another 71 00:04:54,653 --> 00:04:57,652 as much as we possibly can. 72 00:04:58,562 --> 00:05:01,712 I know how dramatic the restrictions already are: 73 00:05:01,962 --> 00:05:05,712 no events, no trade fairs, no concerts any more, 74 00:05:05,712 --> 00:05:10,714 And, for the time being, also no school, no university, no kindergarten, 75 00:05:10,714 --> 00:05:12,714 no more playing at the playground. 76 00:05:12,714 --> 00:05:16,962 now how invasive the closures that the Federation and the Länder have agreed to are 77 00:05:17,215 --> 00:05:21,962 in our lives, and also in terms of how we see ourselves as a democracy. 78 00:05:21,962 --> 00:05:27,214 These are restrictions, the likes of which the Federal Republic has never seen before. 79 00:05:27,214 --> 00:05:31,362 Allow me to assure you that, for someone like me, 80 00:05:31,614 --> 00:05:35,863 for whom the freedom of travel and the freedom of movement were a hard-fought right, 81 00:05:35,863 --> 00:05:40,863 such restrictions can only be justified if they are absolutely imperative. 82 00:05:40,863 --> 00:05:47,362 These should never be put in place lightly in a democracy and should only be temporary. 83 00:05:47,362 --> 00:05:52,115 - But they are vital at the moment in order to save lives. 84 00:05:52,612 --> 00:05:56,863 This is why, since the beginning of the week, more intensive border controls and 85 00:05:56,863 --> 00:06:01,112 restrictions on entry for a number of our most important neighbouring countries have been in force. 86 00:06:02,063 --> 00:06:05,463 Things are already very difficult for the economy, for major companies, and also for small businesses, 87 00:06:05,962 --> 00:06:10,966 for shops, restaurants and freelancers. 88 00:06:10,966 --> 00:06:13,963 Things will get even more difficult in the weeks to come. 89 00:06:13,963 --> 00:06:18,463 I assure you that the Federal Government is doing everything that it can 90 00:06:18,463 --> 00:06:21,714 to cushion the economic impact 91 00:06:21,714 --> 00:06:25,212 - and, above all, to safeguard jobs. 92 00:06:25,462 --> 00:06:29,212 We can and we will do whatever it takes 93 00:06:29,212 --> 00:06:34,462 in order to help our companies and their mployees get through this most difficult time. 94 00:06:34,462 --> 00:06:36,815 And everyone can rest assured that 95 00:06:36,815 --> 00:06:40,065 the food supply is guaranteed at all times, 96 00:06:40,065 --> 00:06:45,063 and that if supermarket shelves happen to be empty on one day, they will be filled again on the next. 97 00:06:45,063 --> 00:06:48,564 I want to tell everyone going to the supermarket that 98 00:06:48,564 --> 00:06:53,816 bulk-buying makes sense; it always has. But only within reason. 99 00:06:53,816 --> 00:07:01,262 Panic buying, as if there’s no tomorrow, is pointless and, at the end of the day, shows a complete lack of solidarity. 100 00:07:02,162 --> 00:07:07,312 And allow me to express my thanks to those who are too seldom thanked. 101 00:07:07,562 --> 00:07:12,063 Those working as supermarket cashiers or restocking shelves, 102 00:07:12,063 --> 00:07:15,562 who are currently doing one of the most difficult jobs that there are at the moment. 103 00:07:15,562 --> 00:07:21,562 Thank you for being there for your fellow citizens and for keeping us all going. 104 00:07:23,214 --> 00:07:27,362 Let me talk now about what I believe is most urgent today. 105 00:07:27,612 --> 00:07:30,861 All measures taken by the state would come to nothing 106 00:07:30,861 --> 00:07:36,620 if we were to fail to use the most effective means for preventing the virus from spreading too rapidly – 107 00:07:36,620 --> 00:07:39,112 and that is we ourselves. 108 00:07:39,112 --> 00:07:43,613 As indiscriminately as each one of us can be affected by the virus, 109 00:07:43,613 --> 00:07:46,862 each and every one of us must help. 110 00:07:47,112 --> 00:07:51,612 First and foremost, by taking seriously what matters today. 111 00:07:51,612 --> 00:07:56,212 Not panicking, but also not thinking for a single moment 112 00:07:56,212 --> 00:07:59,562 that he or she doesn’t matter after all. 113 00:07:59,562 --> 00:08:06,262 No one is expendable. Everyone counts, and we need a collective effort. 114 00:08:06,262 --> 00:08:12,263 That is the message an epidemic brings home – how vulnerable we all are, 115 00:08:12,263 --> 00:08:18,112 how much we depend on the considerate behaviour of others and, ultimately, 116 00:08:18,112 --> 00:08:23,362 how, through joint action, we can protect ourselves and offer one another encouragement and support. 117 00:08:23,612 --> 00:08:26,363 Every individual counts. 118 00:08:26,363 --> 00:08:30,863 We are not condemned to accept the spread of this virus as an inevitable fact of life. 119 00:08:30,863 --> 00:08:33,112 We have the means to fight it. 120 00:08:33,112 --> 00:08:37,112 We must be considerate and keep a safe distance from one another. 121 00:08:37,112 --> 00:08:41,612 Virologists are giving us clear advice: no more handshakes, 122 00:08:41,863 --> 00:08:47,362 we must wash our hands thoroughly and often, and we must keep at least one and a half metre’s distance between ourselves and others. 123 00:08:47,616 --> 00:08:51,112 Ideally, we should avoid all contact with the elderly, 124 00:08:51,112 --> 00:08:53,612 because they are particularly at risk. 125 00:08:53,612 --> 00:08:57,863 I know that this is asking a great deal of us. 126 00:08:57,863 --> 00:09:01,613 Especially when times are hard, we want to be close to one another. 127 00:09:01,613 --> 00:09:05,612 We show affection by staying close, and by reaching out to each other. 128 00:09:06,112 --> 00:09:09,614 But at this time, we must do the exact opposite. 129 00:09:09,614 --> 00:09:12,964 Every single one of us must understand 130 00:09:12,964 --> 00:09:17,465 that, right now, the only way to show we care is by keeping our distance. 131 00:09:17,465 --> 00:09:22,466 A well-meant visit or a trip that is not essential 132 00:09:22,466 --> 00:09:27,962 can spread infection and really should not take place right now. 133 00:09:28,214 --> 00:09:31,212 There is a reason why experts say that 134 00:09:31,212 --> 00:09:34,313 grandparents and grandchildren should not come into contact with each other right now. 135 00:09:36,012 --> 00:09:39,416 Everyone who avoids unnecessary encounters helps all those 136 00:09:39,416 --> 00:09:42,664 who are in hospitals providing care to more and more people each day. 137 00:09:42,664 --> 00:09:44,663 So that is how we will save lives. 138 00:09:44,663 --> 00:09:48,415 This will be difficult for many, and it will also be important 139 00:09:48,415 --> 00:09:53,915 not to abandon anyone and to take care of all those who need a dose of cheer and encouragement. 140 00:09:54,413 --> 00:09:59,862 As families, and as a society, we will find other ways to help each other. 141 00:10:00,112 --> 00:10:06,612 Even now, we have come up with many creative ideas for standing up to this virus and its impact on society. 142 00:10:06,862 --> 00:10:12,617 Even now, grandchildren are recording podcasts for their grandparents, letting them know they are not alone. 143 00:10:12,617 --> 00:10:18,116 We all must discover how we can show affection and express friendship. 144 00:10:18,116 --> 00:10:23,863 We are staying in touch via Skype, phone, email, and maybe also by writing old- fashioned letters.. 145 00:10:23,863 --> 00:10:26,112 The post, after all, is being delivered. 146 00:10:26,362 --> 00:10:30,111 We’re hearing about beautiful examples of neighbours helping one another. 147 00:10:30,111 --> 00:10:33,363 People are assisting the elderly who cannot themselves go shopping. 148 00:10:33,363 --> 00:10:36,863 I am certain there’s plenty more we can do. 149 00:10:36,863 --> 00:10:42,212 We will prove, as a community, that we will not abandon one another. 150 00:10:43,462 --> 00:10:50,364 I therefore urge you to abide by the rules that will remain in place for the time being. 151 00:10:50,364 --> 00:10:55,362 The government will constantly reassess what measures can be adjusted 152 00:10:55,362 --> 00:10:58,863 and also what further measures may still be necessary. 153 00:10:58,863 --> 00:11:04,612 This is a developing situation, and we will ensure that we continue to learn from it 154 00:11:04,612 --> 00:11:09,364 so that we can adjust our thinking and deploy new instruments at any time. 155 00:11:09,861 --> 00:11:12,613 If we do so, then we will explain our reasons once again. 156 00:11:12,613 --> 00:11:16,862 Therefore, I call on you to not believe any rumours, 157 00:11:16,862 --> 00:11:22,614 but rather only the official messages that we will always translate into many languages. 158 00:11:22,614 --> 00:11:27,617 We are a democracy. We thrive not because we are forced to do something, 159 00:11:27,617 --> 00:11:31,112 but because we share knowledge and encourage active participation. 160 00:11:31,362 --> 00:11:37,365 This is a historic task, and it can only be mastered if we face it together. 161 00:11:38,663 --> 00:11:42,813 I have absolutely no doubt that we will overcome this crisis. 162 00:11:42,813 --> 00:11:45,563 But how many victims will it claim? 163 00:11:45,563 --> 00:11:48,612 How many loved ones will we lose? 164 00:11:48,612 --> 00:11:52,615 The answer, to a great extent, lies in our hands. 165 00:11:52,615 --> 00:11:58,863 Right now, we can take decisive action all together. 166 00:11:58,863 --> 00:12:04,162 We can accept these current limitations and support one another. 167 00:12:04,862 --> 00:12:08,663 The situation is serious, and the outcome uncertain. 168 00:12:08,663 --> 00:12:13,162 Our success will also largely depend 169 00:12:13,162 --> 00:12:18,413 on how disciplined each and every one of us is in following the rules. 170 00:12:18,413 --> 00:12:24,163 Even though this is something we have never experienced before, 171 00:12:24,163 --> 00:12:29,162 we must show that we can act warm- heartedly and rationally – and thereby save lives. 172 00:12:29,162 --> 00:12:36,412 It is up to each and every one of us to do so, without any exception. 173 00:12:36,662 --> 00:12:40,414 Take good care of yourself and your loved ones. 174 00:12:40,414 --> 00:12:43,012 Thank you.