Coronavirus: 50% of Germans scared of second wave

Half of Germany's population fears a second wave of the coronavirus, according to the Deutschlandtrend survey conducted for the ARD public broadcaster and published on Thursday.

Some 13% of people are very worried that infections will rise significantly in the coming weeks, while 37% are very worried, the survey found.

Others were more relaxed: 32% said they were less worried about a  second wave of pandemic, and 17% are were even less worried.

However, people have significantly altered their behavior in response to the virus. Some 89% said they wash their hands more often, 88% said they now keep a clear distance to others. Just under three-quarters of Germans (72%) said they meet friends and relatives only to a limited extent.

More than half (57%) said they will not be going on a summer holiday this year, while 39% will proceed despite the pandemic. 

Most people in Germany wear a face mask where it is mandatory to do so, however 80% said they do not wear masks where they are not legally required to do so. 

The survey run by Infratest dimap polled 1,003 people. 

 Germany takes helm of EU presidency, Merkel urges resolve on virus recovery plan

Germany's EU presidency should focus on climate change

The survey also polled respondents on their views of Germany's agenda for the six-month presidency of the European Union. Germany took over the European Union presidency on Wednesday.

Some 50% of respondents want the German EU Council Presidency to focus on climate protection, while 39% want Germany to concentrate on dealing with the consequences of the pandemic.

Other topics did not draw an enthusiastic response as special issues for the presidency, with 33% concerned about compliance with the rule of law in the EU, 25% concerned about questions of digitalization, and 24% concerned about the upcoming EU budget. Just 7% think that Germany should concern itself with future relations with Great Britain.

aw/sms (AFP, epd, dpa)