Merkel said the reason is because people do not yet have immunity to the virus and there are so far neither vaccines nor therapies to fight it. With some 1,300 infections and two deaths, Germany's government has recommended the cancellation of all events with more than 1,000 people, among other measures. Merkel said such measures "are giving us time'' and are invaluable. Other European nations shut schools and universities and slapped more restrictions on travel, sport and cultural events over the surging outbreak. And Spain announced that its cases have topped 2,000, with 47 deaths, making it Europe's second most severe outbreak.

Source: The Standard March 11, 2020 19:07 UTC