German state leaders are considering closing all shops including supermarkets completely for five days from April 1, sources at a meeting between Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders about extending the current lockdown measures in the pandemic told dpa.
Specifically, the proposal, which would mean an unprecedented step in the fight against pandemics, would cover the period from April 1 through to April 5 included. Only April 1 and 3 would be regular business days due to the Easter holidays.
So far in the lockdown, shops for essential needs have been open during normal business hours. The current lockdown is in place until March 28.
Lawmakers have been discussing since Monday whether a return to a harder lockdown is needed after the country surpassed a key threshold in coronavirus infection numbers. Talks have also focused on specific regulations for the Easter period.