Global disease experts say little is known about China's experience with long-term COVID effects thought to have afflicted millions with debilitating fatigue, brain fog and other symptoms
"The third wave of the pandemic has our country firmly in its grip," said Merkel, whose speech was interrupted by heckles from lawmakers of the far-right Alternative for Germany party opposed to lockdowns.
"Intensive care workers are sending one distress call after the other. Who are we to ignore their pleas?" Merkel said.