COVID-19: Germany death toll at 270, cases near 45,000

BERLIN 

Coronavirus cases in Germany continued to rise on Friday despite drastic lockdown measures to stem the virus’ spread.

The number of cases climbed to 44,439 on Friday, while the death toll rose to 270, according to the Berlin-based website Coronavirus-Monitor, which compiles up-to-date numbers from local health authorities.

Authorities reported 48 more fatalities and nearly 5,000 more cases over the past 24 hours.

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday evening ruled out easing lockdown measures, stressing that new infections continued to rise rapidly over the last couple of days.

The government this week tightened coronavirus restrictions, banning any social contact between more than two

Read more: COVID-19: Germany death toll at 270, cases near 45,000