The total number of coronavirus cases confirmed in Germany since the pandemic started has passed 1 million, according to data from health authorities on Friday. Figures for the last 24 hours released by the Robert Koch Institute showed 22,806 new infections were recorded, bringing Germany's total caseload to 1,006,394, said dpa international. The number of deaths linked to the virus rose by 426 - the highest daily jump in the country so far - to 15,586. Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday called for discipline and solidarity over the festive season after the federal and regional governments agreed to extend business closures and tighten coronavirus restrictions. Germany closed restaurants and leisure facilities and brought back nationwide contact restrictions at the start of November in response to surging infections. Merkel and the country's 16 state premiers have agreed to extend this shutdown until December 20, while tightening a limit on private gatherings to five people from two households - rather than a previous 10 people - with children under 14 excluded from the rule. Contact restrictions are due to be eased between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1 to enable people to celebrate during the Christmas period. Up to 10 people are to be allowed to meet, again with children exempt from the limit. It is now up to the state administrations to implement these agreements. — Bahrain News Agency
