Germany’s reopening plan opens floodgates for resurgence of pandemic After nine hours of wrangling behind closed doors, Germany’s federal and state governments reached a deal late last Wednesday evening aimed at systematically dismantling the remaining COVID-19 restrictions, despite a rise in infection rates and the pandemic continuing to rage across Europe. The plan worked out by the chancellor and minister presidents opens the floodgates for yet another round of catastrophic mass deaths. Already in the weeks prior to the meeting, repeated outbreaks of more-infectious coronavirus variants occurred across Germany due to the continued operation of workplaces and the reopening of schools and childcare facilities. The terms of the deal finalised last week allow states and municipalities to eliminate lockdown restrictions on retail, recreational activities, and restaurants.