BERLIN, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The German federal state Bavaria planned to tighten COVID-19 measures by making face masks in some public hotspots in Munich compulsory, Bavaria's Minister-President Markus Soeder announced on Monday.
"I am very concerned about the further development," said Soeder during a press conference. The number of infections in Munich was "simply too high," increasing the risk that infections could no longer be traced back, he added.
On Sunday, the number of new COVID-19 infections per 100,000 inhabitants in a week reached critical 55.6, as thousands of people celebrated the canceled famous beer festival Oktoberfest at Munich public places without observing anti-virus rules such as social distancing or masks wearing.
Soeder stressed that the pictures seen in Bavaria's capital were "disturbing" and demanded that "joy and reason should come together in a better way."
"Private parties are the problem," Soeder said, adding "If reason will not help, control must be exercised."
According to Soeder, the aim was to secure the ongoing operation of schools and daycare centers throughout Bavaria while protecting the economy from further restrictions.
By Thursday, only groups of up to five people were allowed to meet in all public spaces in Munich. Groups consisting of people from two households or relatives in a straight line were exempted from the limit, said Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter.
"We need to drastically reduce the number of people who meet," said Reiter. Enditem
