Just a few hours before talks resume between the federal and state governments on how to proceed in the coronavirus crisis, Angela Merkel’s chief of staff has said that Germany will “certainly” be extending the current contact restrictions until at least May 10. 

Contact restrictions to be extended in Germany

In this afternoon’s meeting, the federal and state governments are expected to extend the current social distancing requirements, which are currently due to expire on May 3. The Head of the Chancellery, Helga Braun, told ntv: “The contact restrictions will certainly be extended until May 10. Some states have already implemented this.” 

The “basic package” of contact restrictions that will remain in place is the ban on gatherings of more than two people in public (excluding those who live in the same household) and a minimum of 1,5 metres distance between people. 

As for further loosenings of restrictions, Braun said that people would have to be patient. “We cannot yet tell from the current figures whether there will be further openings,” he said, adding that any far-reaching decisions on next steps would be made at the next summit on May 6. 

Coronavirus restrictions gradually being lifted

Germany is currently taking its first tentative steps out of lockdown, with shops and schools across the country gradually reopening their doors but most restaurants, bars and hotels remaining closed. Yesterday it was announced that the worldwide travel warning would remain in place until at least mid-June. 

As of Thursday morning there were 161.539 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany, according to the Johns Hopkins University, with 6.467 deaths.