Germany, shops start operating up to 800 square metres

Shops up to 800 square metres, as well as car and bicycle shops and libraries are allowed to reopen this week under an agreement with leaders from 16 German countries, while schools will be reopened within two weeks, Reuters broadcast.

Federal governments and banks recommended that Germans wear masks when going to the market and traveling in public transportation.

To the east of the Czech Republic, which introduced earlier measures and one of the strictest measures in Europe, markets, artisan stores, car stores and dog salons opened.

Germany's southern neighbour, Austria, took the first step in easy-to-do system of restrictions last Tuesday, allowing jobs in stores, garden centres, smaller stores and plans to open museums and libraries in mid-May.

In the West, Luxembourg said similar stores should reopen and schools should reopen on May 4th, starting with students finishing final exams.

Merkel told reporters that it will take 14 days to see if restrictive measures will increase the rate of infection and that citizens must remain vigilant and disciplined.

Germany ranks fifth in the world on the scales of COVID infection-19 after the US, Spain, Italy and France, but has managed to have a small number of deaths thanks to early and massive tests.

The total number of infected rose by 1,775 to a total of 141,672 yesterday, so for the second day, the number of new cases has decreased.

The death toll increased by 110 to 4,404, according to the Robert Koch Institute. The gradual lifting of restrictions means that the decision to maintain social distance will remain in force until May 3rd, schools will open from May 4th with focus in recent years, as well as hair salons.

The group will meet again on April 30th to consider what decisions it will make after May 3rd.