November 24

A number of Christmas markets in Germany have been canceled as the country's daily counts of coronavirus infections continue to reach record highs.

Data from a national research institute show that more than 60,000 people have been found to be infected with the virus on some days.

The organizer of the famed Christmas market in Nuremberg has canceled the event for this season, citing new coronavirus regulations.

The Christmas market in Dresden, which is thought to be the oldest in the country, dating back nearly six centuries, has been canceled for the second straight year.

The event was due to open on Monday, but workers were seen removing stalls and decorations at the venue.

A woman in Dresden said she is very sad about the cancellation and that she thinks the market can be held if anti-infection measures are taken.

Meanwhile, organizers in some other cities are going ahead with the annual events. The Christmas market in Cologne only accepts visitors who are fully vaccinated or have recovered after being infected.

Local officials are patrolling the venue and asking visitors to show proof of vaccination on their smartphones.

NHK