Merkel spokesperson on duration of virus measures

A spokesperson for German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it would be "irresponsible" to offer false hope on ending social distancing measures in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a news conference in Berlin on Monday, Steffen Seibert said the government was "constantly reviewing" the laws which aim to slow the spread of the virus.

He added that officials would have a better idea on what effect the measures have had by next week.

Goverment officials have stated that the ongoing rules won't be loosened before April 20.

Germany is a week into a ban on gatherings of more than two people in public.

The country has also closed schools and most nonessential shops.

At least 62,435 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the country, the fifith-highest in the world, according to government figures.

541 people have died from the virus.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.