February 17

Germany plans to phase out coronavirus restrictions for shoppers and restaurant visitors, and scrap all major curbs in mid-March.

Germany has been reporting more than 200,000 new cases on some days, but experts predict the infection situation will improve in several weeks.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a three-stage plan to ease restrictions at a news conference on Wednesday.

First of all, the plan will lift the barring of unvaccinated shoppers at retailers other than those that sell daily necessities.

From March 4, unvaccinated people will be allowed into restaurants if they show proof of a negative test. Spectator capacity at sports and other outdoor events will be raised to 25,000.

From March 20, businesses will no longer be required to allow people to work from home.

But a requirement to wear face masks on public transport and some other places will remain.

NHK