Germany will implement one of its strictest lockdowns since the start of the coronavirus pandemic through the Christmas holiday to stem the tide of coronavirus cases that has remained high in spite of softer lockdown measures.

The new lockdown measures, which will go into effect on Wednesday and last until Jan. 10, will require all nonessential businesses and all schools to close. The government will also limit Christmas Day gatherings from 10 to only five from two different households, according to CNN.