Coronavirus: Germany bans meetings of more than 2 people

John MACDOUGALL / AFP

Germany has introduced a "contact ban" to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Officials explained that more than two people are banned from meeting at one time.

During a press conference, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the new measure will help "reduce contact with people as much as possible" and added that "our own behaviour" was the "most effective way" of slowing the rate of infection.

Meanwhile, Merkel has moved into home quarantine after a doctor who vaccinated her on Friday tested positive for the coronavirus.

More from International

  • Iranian President Raisi killed in helicopter accident, state media says

    Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, officials and state media said on Monday.

  • Israel intends to broaden Rafah sweep, Defence Minister tells US

    Israel intends to broaden its military operation in Rafah, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday told a senior aide to US President Joe Biden, who has warned against major action in the southern Gazan city that may risk mass civilian casualties. Israel describes Rafah, which abuts the Gaza Strip's border with the Egyptian Sinai, as the last stronghold of Hamas Islamists whose governing and combat capabilities it has been trying to dismantle during the more than seven-month-old war. After weeks of public disagreements with Washington over the Rafah planning, Israel on May 6 ordered Pale

  • New Taiwanese president calls on China to stop threats

    Taiwan President Lai Ching-te asked China on Monday to stop its military and political threats, saying in his inauguration speech that peace is the only choice and that Beijing had to respect the choice of the Taiwanese people.

  • India votes in fifth phase of elections

    Millions of Indians across 49 constituencies are casting ballots on Monday as the country’s six-week-long election enters its final stages.

  • South Africa's ex-leader Zuma barred from running for parliament

    South Africa's constitutional court ruled on Monday that former president Jacob Zuma was not eligible to run for parliament in this month's election, a decision that was closely watched as it has the potential to affect the outcome of the election.