Berlin police brace for virus protest

BERLIN: Police in Berlin requested thousands of reinforcements yesterday from other parts of Germany to cope with protests this weekend by people opposed to the country’s coronavirus restrictions.

Authorities in the city had banned the protests this week, citing earlier demonstrations where rules on social distancing and wearing of masks were flouted.

Germany has seen a rise in infections and officials are concerned that protesters might contribute to the spread of coronavirus during their rallies and while travelling to and from the capital.