Germany's lockdown has been extended for another three weeks, as Berlin officials warned that new variants of COVID-19 could erase the progress made so far.

"Experts tell us that it is only a matter of time until these variants become dominant and oust the original virus," Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Bundestag on Thursday. "We have to prepare for that."

In recent weeks, new infections have fallen sharply, and hospital admissions are down as well.

Restrictions that were put in place before the new year included the closure of cafes, retail stores, and schools nationwide.

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Merkel and Germany's 16 state premieres have extended and modified the lockdown twice. The latest measures, which are some of the most severe the country has enacted since the pandemic began, were set to expire on Sunday.

Though eager for a return to normalcy, many Germans agree with the decision.

"I am, at the moment, able to live with it. I think the first lockdown was harder," a man in Frankfurt, who did not wish to be named, told CGTN Europe.

Others worried that opening too soon would result in a surge of cases and more lockdowns.

"I think they're trying to make the right decision for everyone. Of course, not everything makes sense," a woman in Frankfurt, who wanted to remain anonymous, added.

However, a longer lockdown will mean more damage to an already struggling economy.  

Financial forecasts for 2021 have been updated and show that economists predict a weaker-than-expected recovery.

State aid has saved many businesses from going under completely and the government says it will continue to provide emergency funds and loans as long as needed.

Reopening schools is the government's priority in the short term.

Shops and museums are unlikely to get the green light until the infection rate falls below 35 for every 100,000 people.  

Cover image: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters