Germany bans groups of more than two to curb virus

Germany has expanded curbs on social interactions to try to contain the coronavirus outbreak, banning public gatherings of more than two people.

In a televised address, Chancellor Angela Merkel said "our own behaviour" was the "most effective way" of slowing the rate of infection.

The measures included closing hair, beauty and massage studios.

Other non-essential shops had already been shut.

Shortly afterwards, Merkel's office said she would quarantine herself.

A doctor who vaccinated her against pneumococcus, a pneumonia-causing bacteria, had tested positive for coronavirus.

BBC News reports the chancellor, 65, will be tested regularly in the next few days and work from home.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, has so far confirmed 18,610 cases and 55 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.

[Source: BBC]