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Strict social distancing measures have helped Germany to slightly slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday, giving cautious hope some of the restrictions could be eased after Easter, Reuters reported.

With almost 110,000 cases and 2,107 deaths, Germany has weathered the pandemic better than European neighbours such as Italy and France.

“I can say that the latest numbers on the spread of the virus give reason for cautious hope,” Merkel said. “The curve is flattening slightly. And the number of those infected is going slightly down. We can be very happy about that.”

Merkel said she was waiting for recommendations from the German National Academy of Sciences to be published on Monday before she weighs easing some of the movement restrictions and social distancing rules in place since around mid-March.

“We are still not in a safe place. We must be happy that tougher restrictions may not be needed,” she added.

Merkel said lifting the restrictions, which will remain until April 19, too early could reverse the achievements so far.