German Chancellor Angela Merkel has declared a ban on gatherings of more than two people in the country, Politico reported.

The declaration was made at a press conference on Sunday, Mar. 22, before she was informed that her doctor, whom she had met last week, had tested positive for Covid-19.

Gatherings of a pair must have a social distance of 1.5 metres

The new measure only makes exceptions for people within the same household.

In addition, people should also stand 1.5 metres apart when in public, Merkel stated.

As per the regulation: "Spending time in public space is only permitted on your own, with another person who does not live in the household or with members of your own household."

CNN reported that the measure will be put in place for two weeks, while restaurants, tattoo shops and hair salons will also be shut down.

There are consequences for violating the new measure

In emphasising the need to take the new measure seriously, Merkel warned of consequences should the regulation be violated, although she did not specify what these consequences are, Politico further highlighted.

She said,"These are not recommendations, but rules."

She added that while the rules were undesirable, they were also necessary.

"None of us wished that we would ever have to face the people with such rules."

Merkel herself is under quarantine

Merkel herself has entered quarantine in the wake of the news that her doctor tested positive for Covid-19.

Her spokesperson stated that the Chancellor will continue to undergo “regular tests” and work from home in the meantime.

On Mar. 20, Friday night, she was spotted doing her own shopping in a Berlin supermarket, with what appears to be shampoo, and at least four bottles of wine in her cart.

Thus far, Germany has reported 24,873 cases and 94 deaths from Covid-19, according to tracking by Johns Hopkins University.

Top photo by Kon Karampelas via Unsplash