Up until now, people have been too slow to cancel such large events, Spahn told dpa.

“That should change fast, given the dynamic developments of the last few days,” Spahn said.

Germany has been criticized for still going ahead with large sporting events such as the Bundesliga football games, while elsewhere in Europe similar events are being cancelled or held behind closed doors.

On Sunday, Germany had a total of 847 coronavirus cases, according to the country’s official disease control institute.

Coalition leaders are due to meet later to discuss how to shield Europe’s largest economy from the outbreak.