Overview

• The first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany began on March 16, 2020, with sweeping closures of schools, businesses, and public spaces to curb infections.
• A majority of Germans still view the lockdowns as necessary, though many found them personally and economically burdensome, according to recent surveys.
• The lockdown's primary goal was to prevent the healthcare system from collapsing, a strategy defended by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel in her memoirs.
• Criticism persists over insufficient measures to mitigate the long-term effects on children and youth, which officials now acknowledge as a major oversight.
• Calls for a comprehensive review of Germany's pandemic response continue, with officials emphasizing the importance of addressing unresolved issues to rebuild public trust.