Anti-virus restrictions protest in Munich

Protesters took to streets of Munich in violation of a pandemic-related ban on large garings to voice ir opposition to restrictions aimed at slowing spre of COVID-19.

protesters split into several groups in city centre.

Police estimates that around 5,000 protesters took part across various locations, and more than 1,000 police were on duty.

According to police, around 700 ministrative offence tices were issued and fines were imposed on two people involved in organising protest.

Police said y dispersed about 1300 people, and h to resort to "pushing and shoving" in about 220 instances. In about ten cases, officers used a baton. Around 20 people were charged with resisting police.

Restrictions that took effect in Germany over recent days included limiting private garings to 10 people.

Large-scale New Year's celebrations have been canceled and sale of fireworks banned.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach h vised Germans to spend New Year's period “very cautiously” and celebrate only in very small groups.

On Wednesday, Germany's official data showed 40,043 reported new cases over past 24 hours and an infection rate, or incidence, of 205.5 new cases per 100,000 residents over past seven days.