German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced plans to slowly ease restrictions brought in to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Social distancing rules will stay in place until at least 3 May, with Ms Merkel also recommending the use of face masks in shops and on public transport.

But as of next week shops under a certain size could open their doors.

And schools will gradually start to reopen from 4 May.

Ms Merkel said the country had achieved “fragile intermediate success” through the strict measures.

The chancellor said the country “must keep focused and keep going”, adding that they “do not have a lot of room for manoeuvre”.

Large public gatherings including religious services will remain banned until 31 August. Bars, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and music venues will all remain closed.

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According to Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country has 127,584 confirmed cases and has reported 3,254 deaths.

Ms Merkel’s announcement makes Germany the latest European nation to start easing restrictions:

Denmark has reopened schools and nurseries for children up to the age of 11

Construction and manufacturing work is back under way in Spain

Thousands of smaller shops in Austria reopened on Tuesday, and the country will allow outdoor sport such as tennis, golf and athletics from 1 May

Some regions in Italy have reopened bookshops and children’s clothing stores

France, however, has extended its lockdown measures for four more weeks until 11 May. Belgium will maintain its restrictions until at least 3 May.

And in Russia, veterans groups have called for President Vladimir Putin to postpone the World War Two 75th anniversary victory parade planned for 9 May, because of the risk it could pose to participants.