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BBC News
By Jenny Hill
image copyrightReuters
image captionEven glühwein bars will have to shut under Germany s partial lockdown that kicks in on Wednesday
Few Germans had expected to enjoy all the trappings of a traditional Christmas this year but new countrywide restrictions, which come into force on Wednesday, will limit festivities to the smallest of family gatherings. No carolling, no parties and even Germany s much loved
Glühwein stalls will close, as drinking outdoors is banned.
Announcing the measures at the weekend, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that an existing lockdown light , which closed bars, restaurants, arts and leisure facilities at the beginning of November, had not done enough to tackle Germany s second wave.
Covid-19: Europeans urged to wear masks for family Christmas
Published
image copyrightGetty Images
image captionThe situation in Germany has been described by officials as more serious than it has ever been
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Europeans to wear masks during family gatherings at Christmas.
It said Europe was at high risk of a new wave of coronavirus infections in the early part of 2021, as transmission of the virus remained high.
Countries across the continent have been registering thousands of daily cases and hundreds of deaths.
Germany was among countries tightening restrictions on Wednesday, closing schools and non-essential businesses.
Covid-19: Germany introduces new restrictions amid rise in cases
16 December 2020 Image caption Non-essential businesses are closed under the new restrictions
Germany has entered a hard lockdown, closing schools and non-essential businesses in an attempt to stop a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections.
The measures will be in place until 10 January. Christmas will see a slight easing, with one household allowed to host up to four close family members.
The country reported another 952 deaths and 27,728 cases on Wednesday.
Meanwhile EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the first Covid vaccine would be authorised for use within a week.
Ms von der Leyen told the European Parliament the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine - developed in Germany - would be rolled out for the bloc the same day, more than a week earlier than originally envisaged.