Germany begins to loosen coronavirus restrictions

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday announced certain measures brought in place to tackle the spread of the new coronavirus pandemic will be loosened, starting with the opening museum, zoos, galleries and playgrounds.

Religious services will also be allowed to resume.

Merkel announced the decision after a meeting with the governors of Germany's 16 states, but stressed that it was important to remain "disciplined" to ensure successful efforts to curb the new virus outbreak aren't undone.

She acknowledged the impact that the lockdown measures have had on the economy and social life, but said officials wanted to wait until next week before considering lifting restrictions on kindergartens and most schools.

Merkel also said a decision on whether the country's soccer league can resume amid the coronavirus pandemic has been pushed back to Wednesday.

A ban on all large gatherings will remain until the end of August.

Germany currently has 161,845 cases of infections with 6,470 deaths.