Germany set to ease some coronavirus lockdown measures | London Evening Standard

Germany set to ease some coronavirus lockdown measuresA woman wearing a face mask walks past the Reichstag buildingAFP via Getty Images

Germany plans to let small shops reopen as early as next week after a month-long coronavirus shutdown.

But Europe’s biggest economy is keeping strict social distancing rules in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.

After much-anticipated talks with Germany’s 16 state governors, Chancellor Angela Merkel set out a plan for the first steps of a slow restart of public life.

A ban on gatherings of more than two people in public has been in place since March 23 and was due to run until Sunday.

German Chancellor Angela MerkelPOOL/AFP via Getty Images

Ms Merkel says the restrictions will remain in place, and officials will review at the end of the month what happens after May 3.

Non-essential shops also have been closed for nearly four weeks.

Other shops of up to 800 square metres will be allowed to start reopening, with hygiene precautions.

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Ms Merkel says the decision applies to the period from Monday though to May 3.