Customers queue with distance for purchasing at a supermarket in Berlin, capital of Germany, March 23, 2020. (Photo by Binh Truong/Xinhua)

BERLIN -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Wednesday generally extending the country's nationwide social distance restrictions which have been in force for weeks, until at least May 3.

This was agreed by German federal and state governments after consultations on Wednesday. The current restriction measures, including a ban on public gatherings of more than two people, a social distance of minimum 1.5 meters and the closure of non-essential businesses, are scheduled to be valid until Sunday.

To support tracking infection contacts, the use of digital "contact tracing" is centrally important, said Merkel. she also suggested wearing non-medical everyday masks where the minimum distance cannot be guaranteed such as on public transport.