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TBILISI(BPI)- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced plans to slowly ease restrictions brought in to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Social distancing rules will stay in place until at least 3 May, with Ms Merkel also recommending the use of face masks in shops and on public transport.
But as of next week shops under a certain size could open their doors.
And schools will gradually start to reopen from 4 May.
Ms Merkel said the country had achieved “fragile intermediate success” through the strict measures.
The chancellor said the country “must keep focused and keep going”, adding that they “do not have a lot of room for manoeuvre”.
Large public gatherings including religious services will remain banned until 31 August. Bars, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and music venues will all remain closed.
According to Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country has 127,584 confirmed cases and has reported 3,254 deaths.
Ms Merkel’s announcement makes Germany the latest European nation to start easing restrictions:
France, however, has extended its lockdown measures for four more weeks until 11 May. Belgium will maintain its restrictions until at least 3 May.
And in Russia, veterans groups have called for President Vladimir Putin to postpone the World War Two 75th anniversary victory parade planned for 9 May, because of the risk it could pose to participants.
After a video conference with the heads of Germany’s 16 states, Ms Merkel announced the gradual loosening of the strict lockdown measures.
Schools can reopen “gradually and very slowly” after 4 May, she said, with new safety measures for breaks and school buses, and priority given to those students with exams.
“It will be a great logistical effort and it needs very careful preparation,” she said.
Shops of up to 800 square metres (8,600 sq ft) could be able to restart their businesses from Monday, provided they have “plans to maintain hygiene”, she said.
Car dealers, bicycle shops and book stores can all reopen, regardless of their size. Hairdressers will be allowed to open their doors from 4 May, provided they too comply with strict hygiene measures.
But the lockdown is far from over. The chancellor strongly recommended people do protective face masks while shopping and while taking public transport, saying this “will help to protect other people”.
Europe’s biggest economy entered a recession in March, its economy ministry said, citing “collapsing global demand, interruption of supply chains, changes in consumer behaviour and uncertainty among investors”.
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