German officials signaled there won’t be a significant further easing of restrictions on public life for at least another week as data showed coronavirus infections in Europe’s biggest economy rose the most in four days. Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to consult with state premiers later on Thursday on whether to lift more of the curbs imposed to stop the disease from spreading. Helge Braun, who heads Merkel’s office, said limits on public contact will be extended at least until May 10, in line with a strategy already adopted by regions including Bavaria.
Both Braun and Stephan Weil, the premier of Lower Saxony, said that officials want to wait for data on the impact on the outbreak of this week’s reopening of some shops. Two weeks of information is needed to provide a reliable basis for discussion on a potential further easing of curbs, Weil said in an interview with ARD TV.