Merkel to re-open schools after coronavirus lockdown

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Premiers of its 16 states have agreed to reopen schools from May 4, after the coronavirus lockdown.

Merkel is expected to make a formal announcement later on Wednesday, to declare that pupils who are due to graduate, those who have exams in the coming year and the oldest primary school classes, are to resume.

Major public events, including sports events, are to be banned in Germany until Aug. 31.

The information emerged from a lengthy consultation by video conference that discussed easing certain measures in the current lockdown, while extending others.

The individual states will decide on how to implement the measures in detail.