German Chancellor Angela Merkel, announced the extension of quarantine in Germany until April 18, RIA Novosti reports.

COVID restrictions will be strengthened during the Easter period - from April 1 to April 5.

The current quarantine measures are in effect until March 28. During a press conference, Merkel noted that Germany is now in the third wave of a pandemic - and the situation is complicated by the dominant more dangerous British strain of the virus.

According to the German Chancellor, a decision was made to strengthen the isolation regime from April 1 to April 5, while April 1 and April 3 were declared days of rest.

Besides, if in 7 days the number of new cases of infection per 100,000 inhabitants exceeds 100, restrictive measures in this region will be tightened.

Religious meetings for Easter are asked to be held online. The authorities are also calling for an end to overseas travel and warn of the need for self-isolation upon returning from abroad.