Rail travel is down 50% in Germany — but Deutsche Bahn is relying on scientific studies to prove that traveling by train does does not pose an increased risk to travelers. The strict hygiene and protective measures implemented so far appear to be working. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

It’s time to celebrate Halloween at Hamburg’s Tierpark Hagenbeck — and to get into the holiday spirit, the elephants were treated to special seasonal goodies: pumpkins, corn on the cob, and apples! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The return of large predators, such as wolves, to certain regions in Germany means that local herders need to take extra steps to predict their flocks. Here in the Eifel mountain range in western Germany, two “livestock guardian dogs” named Günther and Biene protect the sheep and goats of herder Heike Dahm-Rulf. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Rail and air transport throughout Germany are getting back to normal after the day-long industrial action at the start of the week. However, commuters and travelers are still experiencing some disruptions.

The German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia has the biggest COVID-19 outbreak in Germany, and is therefore introducing stricter measures to ensure social distancing. Among other penalties, restaurants that stay open will have to pay up to 4000 euros in fines, while individuals who meet in groups will have to pay 200 euros.

School is back in session in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populated state. To protect against coronavirus infections, masks are mandatory in school buildings and classrooms. How are the students and teachers dealing with the new requirements? Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

From spareribs to chicken wings: At the German Grill-Master Championship, it is not only about the sausage. Who will be crowned as "Barbecue King?" Guten Appetit!
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Up till now, hundreds of thousands of refugees have been permitted to enter Germany. Now the German government has changed course by temporarily reintroducing border controls.

Somewhere between 150,000 (according to police) and 250,000 (according to event organizers) took to the streets of Berlin to protest the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Read more here about the international Stop TTIP initiative.

Located in the southwest corner of Germany, Europa-Park is a theme park with all sorts of rides and attractions.

On some sections of the Hessian autobahn speed limits have been lifted or raised. The Green Party is not very enthusiastic about that and feels that the climate protection is being neglected.

Fear of the coronavirus has caused many people to stock up on food and supplies. Fortunately, German grocery stores have been able to keep up with the increased demand without any problems. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

In a rare televised address, Chancellor Angela Merkel urges the public, directly and in plain language, to take drastic steps to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in Germany. She calls the coronavirus one of the greatest challenges the country has faced.

Chancellor Angela Merkel discusses the essential actions the German government has taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, including shutting down social activity and tightening border controls. The people's responsibility, she says, is to remain calm and not engage in panic buying (such shopping trips are referred to as die Hamsterkäufe in German) when it comes to groceries.

Angela Merkel explains that social distancing will help to slow the spread of COVID-19, acknowledging how difficult it is to not be able to visit loved ones in uncertain times. She also discusses the government's responsibility to consider all possible approaches and keep the public informed.