Angela Merkel urges tougher Covid-19 measures to battle fourth wave in Germany

Germany's acting Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Germany's 16 federal states to decide tough measures by Wednesday. (Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Germany's acting Chancellor Angela Merkel told leaders of her conservative party that measures being taken to stop the spread of Covid-19 in Europe's biggest economy were insufficient and that stronger action needs to be taken.

"We are in a highly dramatic situation. What is in place now is not sufficient," she told CDU leaders in a meeting, according to two participants.