For the first time in its modern history the whole of Bavaria has been declared a disaster zone, to deal with the coronavirus crisis.

It is Germany’s second-richest state and has a population of 13 million people. Such special measures previously only applied to stricken areas of Bavaria, for example during floods.

All schools and kindergartens are now shut in the state.

There has been a sharp rise in the numbers testing positive for Covid-19 in Bavaria: 886 cases by midday Sunday, which was 205 more cases in 24 hours. Four elderly people have died, DPA news agency reports.

People are still able to move around freely in the streets – unlike in some other parts of Europe.

But these measures are now being introduced:

• From Tuesday, bars, cinemas and swimming pools are to close, along with non-essential businesses
• Longer opening times for providers of food and essential goods, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks. They can stay open until 22:00 on weekdays, and 18:00 on Sundays.
• Restaurants and cafes restricted to 06:00 to 15:00 openings, with customers kept well apart.