During a visit to a medical center in Berlin, Spahn recalled that countries with higher vaccination rates, such as the United Kingdom and the United States, showed that contact restrictions are necessary.

By early May, about 20 percent of the German population will be immunized, said the minister, who described the situation in intensive care units and clinics as worrisome given the increase in occupancy rates.

We have to break the chain of outbreaks and reduce contacts, especially in the private sector, schools, workplaces, wherever we can, the minister said.

The minister called the federated states where a high incidence persists, to implement the agreed emergency brake and reduce the figures.

However, regulations such as distance, hygiene and protective facemasks are necessary for everyone, he said.

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