In this article the journalist explores the duty of society to protect and to step up and individually protect others.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel wears her protective mask after a news conference following a meeting with the leaders of the country’s 16 federal states to discuss COVID-19 measurements in Berlin, Germany, June 10, 2021. Michael Kappeler/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

People who are still not vaccinated as the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic takes hold in Germany must understand they have a duty to the rest of society to protect others, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.

Merkel, speaking at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at an Asia-Pacific business summit, said it was the task of politicians to make the case for serious interventions by being honest with the public.

Coronavirus case numbers have surged across Europe in recent weeks, with experts worrying that health systems risk once again being overwhelmed, in part because unvaccinated people are still spreading the disease to the older and more vulnerable.

“We have to make it clear that I have the right to get vaccinated, and that is a great fortune, a huge achievement of science and technology,” Merkel said over a video link. “But I also have a certain obligation to contribute to protecting society.”

Read the full article here: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/unvaccinated-should-reflect-their-duty-society-merkel-says-2021-11-11/