Germany plans to let small shops reopen as early as next week after a month-long coronavirus shutdown.
But Europe’s biggest economy is keeping strict social distancing rules in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.
After much-anticipated talks with Germany’s 16 state governors, Chancellor Angela Merkel set out a plan for the first steps of a slow restart of public life.
A ban on gatherings of more than two people in public has been in place since March 23 and was due to run until Sunday.
Ms Merkel says the restrictions will remain in place, and officials will review at the end of the month what happens after May 3.
Non-essential shops also have been closed for nearly four weeks.
Other shops of up to 800 square metres will be allowed to start reopening, with hygiene precautions.
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Ms Merkel says the decision applies to the period from Monday though to May 3.
