Merkel said the goal of the new measures was for authorities to get ahead of rising infections and avoid another national lockdown. 

"We want to act regionally, specifically and purposefully, rather than shutting down the whole country again — this must be prevented at all costs," Merkel told a news conference. 

Merkel has warned that at the current rate of infection, Germany could see more than 19,000 cases per day by the end of the year. Over the past 24 hours, German health authorities have reported more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases. 

"We have learned a lot and did well throughout the summer," Merkel added. But she noted that the rising infections ahead of autumn and winter were troubling.  

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-angela-merkel-unveils-new-coronavirus-measures/a-55092025