Social distancing rules would remain in place until May 3 under the measures that Merkel and the governors of Germany's 16 states agreed at Wednesday's meeting. Under Wednesday's agreement, retailers whose shops are up to 800 square metres will be allowed to open next week, along with car and bicycle dealers, and bookstores, though they must practise strict social distancing and hygiene rules. Schools would start opening from May 4, with priority given to final-year students. 'LITTLE LEEWAY'Merkel said the virus reproduction or transmission rate in Germany was around 1 - meaning one person with the virus infects one other on average. It said even if social distancing measures were eased, economic activity would continue to be very subdued and would only pick up gradually.

Source: bd News24 April 15, 2020 19:18 UTC