German police halted a Berlin march by thousands of people opposed to coronavirus restrictions in the biggest of several European protests Saturday against anti-virus curbs and masks to halt the pandemic. Across the globe, governments are struggling to revive battered economies while managing public frustration over new restrictions and masks to curb infections. Protesters, some waving placards stating "Stop the lies", were quickly surrounded by police who handed out 135 euro ($160) fines to those not wearing masks. France on Saturday said there had been 5,400 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours following over 7,400 registered on Friday. Saturday's Berlin rally came as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Germany, with daily new infection numbers reaching highs not seen since April.

Source: The Hindu August 29, 2020 23:26 UTC