Germany will enter a strict shutdown for five days over Easter in a bid to halt soaring coronavirus infection rates, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday (Mar 23) after marathon talks with regional leaders.
As well as extending existing measures including keeping cultural, leisure and sporting facilities shut through to Apr 18, Merkel and Germany’s 16 state premiers agreed a tougher shutdown between Apr 1 and 5.
Almost all shops will be closed during the five days, and religious services will be moved online over Easter. Only grocers will be allowed to open on Saturday, Apr 3.
On Monday, the national incidence rate reached 107.3 cases per 100,000 people, with more than 7,700 new cases and 50 deaths reported.
(Compiled)
