While the number of infections worldwide hits the 2 million mark, with more than125,000 reported deaths,Merkel outlines plans to start lifting lockdown, including some schools reopening on May 4.In other development Germany and the EU have joined a chorus of international criticism of President Donald Trump decision to suspend US funding to the World Health Organization.

Globally, there are more than 2 million confirmed cases while over 134,000 people have died of the virus.

The coronavirus pandemic is likely to have a  "profound and pervasive impact" on global mental health, a panel of psychiatrists warned.