German disease control head warns of ‘terrible Christmas’ as Covid cases rise

A sign reminds of the need for face masks at a train station in Cologne, Germany (Martin Meissner/AP)

The head of Germany’s disease control agency has warned that the country faces a “really terrible Christmas” unless steps are taken to counter the sharp rise in coronavirus infections.

German politicians are debating measures that would replace the nationwide epidemic rules, which will expire at the end of the month.