Germany woefully behind with COVID vaccinations, and shortages only small part of an "unbelievable" problem

Berlin — The German government's coronavirus response has descended into chaos. Chancellor Angela Merkel was forced to rescind a last-minute order this week for a strict Easter lockdown — accepting there was no time to implement the measure despite rising infections. 

It was just the latest misstep by her coalition government as it faces withering criticism for its handling of the pandemic, particularly its faltering vaccine rollout. The need to boost inoculations is growing more urgent as a third wave of COVID-19 infections spreads across Germany. The head of the government's health agency warned on Friday that Germany could see as many as 100,000 new cases per day if the disease's spread isn't curbed.