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German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that she will self-isolate after a doctor who examined tested positive for Covid-19.

Ms Merkel is not believed to be infected with Covid-19 but will undergo regular testing while she is in quarantine.

The doctor had given Ms Merkel a vaccine last week.

The German Chancellor was informed about the doctor's test result shortly after holding a news conference Sunday where she revealed new measures to curb the spread of the virus, her spokesman said.

Germany announced it would ramp up efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus by banning meetings of more than two people.

Announcing the measures Ms Merkel was clear the new restrictions are not desirable but necessary.

“None of us wished that we would ever have to face the people with such rules,” said Merkel.

She also followed Boris Johnson in closing non-essential businesses.

The new German regulations says: “Spending time in public space is only permitted on your own, with another person who does not live in the household or with members of your own household.”

When in public, people should stand at least 1.5 meters apart, Ms Merkel said.