(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, 26 NOV - Germany will extend its current
coronavirus restrictions through to early January unless there
is a dramatic drop in infections -- something that is not
expected, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday. Merkel said
the measures introduced in early November, including limits on
private gatherings and the closure of restaurants, leisure and
cultural facilities, cannot be lifted given current infection
rates. The curbs will be continued "until December 20 first but
we assume that ... due to the very high incidence of infection,
restrictions will have to apply until the beginning of January,"
Merkel said. The agreement means continued closures for
restaurants, bars, sporting facilities and cultural venues in
Europe's biggest economy, though schools and shops will remain
open. From December 1, private gatherings will be limited to
five people from two households -- down from 10 people
currently, though children are exempted from the new rule. For
the festive period from December 23 to New Year's day, rules on
gatherings will be slightly eased to allow up to 10 adults
meeting, with children under 14 exempted. But this does not mean
that parties will be allowed, according to a deal hammered out
by Merkel's government and Germany's 16 states -- rather, the
motto for the period will be to remain at home. (ANSA-AFP).
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