Germany's coronavirus situation is dramatic, Merkel says

FILE PHOTO: A placard, which reads: "Mandatory use of masks in the whole area inside and outside the buildings", is seen in the University Hospital in Dresden, Germany, November 8, 2021. REUTERS/Matthias Rietschel

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's coronavirus situation is dramatic, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday, calling for a push to distribute booster shots faster and appealing to those sceptical of vaccination to change their minds.

Germany reported 52,826 new infections on Wednesday - a jump of a third compared with a week ago and another daily record, while 294 people died, bringing the total to 98,274, as the pandemic's fourth wave tightened its grip on Europe.