We Have Put the First Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic Behind Us, Merkel Says

Earlier this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Germany will contribute €525 Mln for coronavirus response purposes, while vaccines against the disease that the European Union is planning to develop will be available globally.

The German chancellor stated on Wednesday that Germany has put the first phase of the coronavirus pandemic behind, adding that the country has reached its goal of slowing the virus and protecting the healthcare system.

"We are at a point where our goal of slowing the spread of the virus has been achieved and we have been able to protect our health system .. so it has been possible to discuss and agree on further easing measures," Merkel told reporters.

Speaking further, Merkel stated that people from two households will be allowed to meet and more shops will open.

At the same time, according to the senior official, guidelines on keeping a distance of 1.5 metres and wearing mouth and nose masks on public transport will remain in place until 5 June.

According to the recent data, provided by the World Health Organisation, Germany has registered more than 163,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 6,900 fatalities.