Merkel Maps Out Path to Reopening Europe's Largest Ec...
Word Count: 795 Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to defend the plan, which includes an extension of most lockdown measures until March 7, in a speech to parliament on Thursday morning. Under the new guidelines — hammered out over five hours of intense talks with regional leaders on Wednesday evening — schools and daycare centers can restart in the coming days, and hairdressers will be allowed to open from March 1. The decision on schools marked a win for state leaders over Merkel, who sought a more cautious approach because of the risks posed by fast-spreading strains. The German leader h...