Germany chancellor defends virus restrictions

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday defended her country's restrictions put in place to tackle the new coronavirus pandemic, calling on citizens to keep respecting distancing rules.

Germany, which began a strict lockdown in mid-March, started loosening its restrictions on 20 April, and since then has at least partly reopened many sectors.

However, at the same time the country has seen frequent protests against lockdown measures.

Merkel said in her weekly video message Saturday that the measures were necessary, arguing that officials must continue to justify why some restrictions can't be lifted and ensure that they are proportionate.

Merkel said that "overall, we have for example succeeded so far in achieving the aim of preventing our health system being overwhelmed."

She added that she hopes "we can continue to succeed in this" if everyone keeps respecting distancing rules and wears face masks where required.