A vendor wearing a face mask is seen at a market in Erfurt, central Germany, on April 1, 2020. Germany will extend the restrictions on social contacts to April 19 at the earliest, in a bid to contain the COVID-19 spreading, Chancellor Angela Merkel said following a video conference with minister-presidents of all 16 federal states. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/Xinhua)
BERLIN, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Germany will extend the restrictions on social contacts to April 19 at the earliest, in a bid to contain the spreading coronavirus, Chancellor Angela Merkel said following a video conference with minister-presidents of all 16 federal states.
"A pandemic doesn't take a vacation. That is why it has been made clear that the decisions made also apply beyond Easter," said Merkel in an audio statement after the conference.
Citizens are asked to "refrain from private trips and visits from relatives too," according to Merkel. The restrictions, which have been introduced on March 22, were initially due to end on April 5.
German citizens are advised to reduce social contacts with other people outside their own households to the least, and a minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be kept, preferably two meters.
Celebration gatherings in public places, at home and in private institutions are unacceptable, considering the current serious situation, Merkel said, adding that violations of the contact restriction will be sanctioned.
"The situation is such that we see slight effects of the measures, but are far from being able to say that we can change anything about these contact restrictions," said the Chancellor.
Merkel also said that now nothing could be decided as to what will happen after Easter. The current restrictions in Germany will be reviewed again on April 14.
