Germany eases lockdown amid fear of second wave of infections

Germany is set to reopen playgrounds, museums and churches from Monday to go with the small shops that reopened this week despite the risk of a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The country will decide within days about schools and sports events as it eases its way out of lockdown.

Any further easing would depend on the rate of infection remaining low.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, warned that there was a risk of triggering a resurgence of the coronavirus if people dropped their guard and forgot about social distancing guidelines.

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Germany has withstood the pandemic much better than other countries, courtesy widespread virus testing, an excellent healthcare system and strict lockdown measures introduced in mid-March.

Merkel's conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners have also passed a 750-billion-euro ($820 billion) rescue package to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. Her chief of staff Helge Braun said social distancing measures - the requirement to wear face masks while shopping and on public transport and stay at least 1.5 metres from other people -- would remain until at least May 10.

Germany's 16 federal states are also working on a plan to reopen bars and restaurants and allow some sport to take place. But larger events such as concerts and major sporting events would not be able to take place before August 31.

Germany has the sixth-highest number of confirmed infections, at over 1,62,000. The country has recorded 6,500 deaths from the virus.