German Chancellor Angela Merkel has gone into quarantine after being informed that a doctor who administered a vaccine to her has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Merkel's spokesman said the German chancellor, who is 65, was informed about the doctor's test shortly after holding a news conference Sunday announcing new measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Her spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said Merkel had received a precautionary vaccine Friday against pneumococcal infection.

Seibert said in a statement that Merkel would undergo "regular tests" in the coming days and continue with her work from home for the time being.

22,364 infected in Germany

The novel coronavirus was first discovered in China in December 2019 and has since spread across the globe. According to data from the health authorities in Germany, 24,806 people have been infected with the coronavirus to date and 93 have died.

In order to slow down the spread of the coronavirus, meetings of more than two people in public have been prohibited earlier today. This was the result of consultations between Chancellor Angela Merkel and the state premiers. The measure will apply from Monday and then for two weeks, until the end of the Easter holidays, Merkel said. Families and persons living in the same household will be exempted.