Govt: Merkel returning to work after self quarantine

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is returning to work at the Chancellery after two weeks in quarantine at home, following an encounter with a doctor who tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Merkel's spokesperson, Steffen Seibert, said on Friday that Merkel was returning to her office after a 14-day precautionary quarantine.

He said that "thankfully the Chancellor tested negative for the coronavirus several times."

The 65-year-old German leader went into quarantine on March 22 after being informed that a doctor who had administered a vaccination to her had tested positive for the virus.

Seibert also underlined the importance of sticking to social distancing measures in the coming weeks.

He said now is not the time to "loosen the rules" and reminded the public to keep these restrictions over the Easter holidays.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus, but the fear is that COVID-19 could drag the global economy into a recession.

Germany's social distancing measures are to stay in place until at least April 19.