Germany on Wednesday backtracked on its plan to impose a strict Easter weekend shutdown after a public outcry. Instead, the government asked people to stay at home over the holiday. 

Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a mea culpa after reversing the measures. "This mistake is mine alone," Merkel said. "The whole process has caused additional uncertainty, for which I ask all citizens to forgive me."

Under the initial plan, most of the country's shops would be closed over Easter from April 1 to 5.

Germany has so far logged over 2,713,180 COVID-19 cases with 75,440 deaths.

(With input from AFP)