MERKEL DECLARES A NEW PANDEMIC!

The British coronavirus variant has become the dominant strain in Germany, meaning that Europe's biggest economy was "in a new pandemic", Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday as she announced tighter shutdown measures after marathon talks with regional leaders.

"Essentially, we have a new virus...it is much deadlier, much more infectious and infectious for much longer," the veteran chancellor said at a press conference in Berlin.


MEANWHILE.. another leader takes the 'vaccine'...

Reuters reporting this: Russian President Vladimir Putin has got vaccinated against the COVID-19 with a vaccine and is feeling well, RIA said on Tuesday citing the Kremlin, as authorities seek to encourage more Russians to take the shot.
The Kremlin said earlier on Tuesday it had deliberately decided not to reveal the name of the Russian-made vaccine which Putin chose to take.

MORE: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/new-pandemic-germany-caused-virus-variant-prompts-lockdown-through-easter-n1261815?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma