Protest against German virus lockdown measures

Thousands of protesters gared on Wednesday morning in central Berlin to voice ir anger as parliament votes on a bill that would strengn government's ability to impose coronavirus restrictions.

Berlin police, bolstered by forces from around country, cordoned off a wide perimeter around capital's government center and a series of protests planned outside of Germany's Bundestag parliament building were banned over security concerns.

German lawmakers are to debate and n vote on a bill that will provide legal underpinning for social distancing rules, requirements to wear masks in public and closing stores and or venues to slow spre of virus.

While such measures are supported by most people in Germany, a vocal mirity has std regular rallies around country arguing that restrictions are unconstitutional.

measures are expected to pass both lower and n upper house of parliament and be quickly signed by Germany's president.

Germany, which has been praised for its handling of first wave of virus, has seen 13,000 virus-confirmed deaths in pandemic, a death toll one-fourth that of Britain's.

(Im credit: AP)