BERLIN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday announced new tough measures to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus, closing all shops except pharmacies and supermarkets.

Photo: CGTN

At a press conference at the Chancellery, Merkel said that museums, bars and clubs, as well as trade fairs, exhibitions, animal parks, special markets, amusement arcades, and similar facilities will be closed. Brothels and public sports facilities are also to be discontinued for the time being.

What is not to be closed are the retail shops for food, pharmacies, gas stations, post offices, hairdressers, dry cleaners, delivery services, construction, garden and pet stores and wholesale trade.

In addition, hygiene requirements should also be increased. Craftsmen and service providers would be able to continue their services.

"It was very important to all of us that we act uniformly in Germany," said Merkel, who believed that tough measures are needed to limit social contacts as much as possible.