Germany is facing an "acute national health emergency," Chancellor Angela Merkel says after a crisis online meeting with regional leaders to agree on new measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
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"We have to act, and now," Merkel said.
"If infections continue at this rate, we will be at the limits of the capacities of our health system."
She noted that 75 per cent of all infections could no longer be tracked.
The chancellor issued a call for a renewed "national push" to avoid a health emergency but said it would be time-limited.
Terming private gatherings, where most infections are currently occurring, "unacceptable," she acknowledged that the measures agreed would have a severe impact.
Members of no more than two households will be allowed to meet in public venues, with a maximum of 10 persons.
Gatherings in private homes should be avoided.
The measures, agreed with the premiers of the 16 states, take effect on Monday and will remain in place through November in the hope that families will be able to celebrate Christmas.
"The decisions will apply across the country," Merkel said and would be imposed by general regulations.
The parliament of one state, Thuringia, will have to consider the measures.
In recent months, certain states have charted their own course through the pandemic while Merkel has sought a common line throughout.
The restrictions include shutting down cultural and recreational facilities and closing restaurants.
There will be no theatre or cinema and fans will be banned from top level football matches in the Bundesliga.
Sports facilities, including swimming pools and gyms will close.
Amateur sports events will not take place.
Shops are to remain open, although they will not be allowed to let in more than one customer per 10 square metres.
Cosmetic studios, massage parlours and tattoo studios will have to close but hairdressers can stay open under strict hygiene conditions.
Schools and kindergartens are to remain open but will be required to introduce new hygiene protocols.
Religious services will be allowed to continue.
Germans are to be discouraged from making all but essential trips.
Hotels will not be permitted to offer accommodation to tourists.
Workers should, wherever possible, work from home.
Germany reported a record spike in coronavirus infections hours before Merkel's online conference with the 16 state leaders.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for disease control said 14,964 new coronavirus infections had been confirmed during a 24-hour period, marking the country's highest daily increase since the pandemic began.
This brings the total number of cases so far to 449,275.
The institute said the death toll rose by 27 to 10,098.
Australian Associated Press