Germany's Merkel against relaxing of virus rules

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken out against further relaxing coronavirus restrictions in the country, citing the recent rise in the number of new cases.

Merkel says Germany is "in the middle of the pandemic" and called on Germans to respect social distancing and hygiene rules.

Speaking after a meeting with the governor and ministers of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, Merkel expressed support for uniform rules for some aspects of the pandemic.

Germany's 16 states largely set their own rules, often leading to a mix-mash of differing regional regulations that have prompted confusion and frustration in the country of 83 million.

Merkel and Gov. Armin Laschet say possible future lockdowns shouldn't unduly burden children and students.

Germany's disease control agency on Tuesday reported 1,390 new confirmed coronavirus cases.