Two women sit on the grass by the Spree river in Berlin, Germany, March 3, 2021. Due to rising infections and an increasing share of COVID-19 variants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the federal states agreed on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended until at least March 28. At the same time, gradual openings were implemented in a five-step strategy. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

People sit on benches by the Spree river in Berlin, Germany, March 3, 2021. Due to rising infections and an increasing share of COVID-19 variants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the federal states agreed on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended until at least March 28. At the same time, gradual openings were implemented in a five-step strategy. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

Pedestrians wearing face masks pose for photos in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, March 3, 2021. Due to rising infections and an increasing share of COVID-19 variants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the federal states agreed on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended until at least March 28. At the same time, gradual openings were implemented in a five-step strategy. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

Pedestrians are seen in Berlin, Germany, March 3, 2021. Due to rising infections and an increasing share of COVID-19 variants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the federal states agreed on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended until at least March 28. At the same time, gradual openings were implemented in a five-step strategy. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

Pedestrians are seen in Berlin, Germany, March 3, 2021. Due to rising infections and an increasing share of COVID-19 variants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the federal states agreed on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended until at least March 28. At the same time, gradual openings were implemented in a five-step strategy. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

A sign of mask requirement is seen near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, March 3, 2021. Due to rising infections and an increasing share of COVID-19 variants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the federal states agreed on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended until at least March 28. At the same time, gradual openings were implemented in a five-step strategy. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

A man runs on a bridge in Berlin, Germany, March 3, 2021. Due to rising infections and an increasing share of COVID-19 variants, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the federal states agreed on Wednesday that the lockdown would be extended until at least March 28. At the same time, gradual openings were implemented in a five-step strategy. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)