(Bloomberg) -- Prosecutors in the German city of Mannheim said they received numerous complaints related to social gatherings in violation of restrictions to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

The reports of outside meetings and events now banned in Germany will be investigated, Mannheim prosecutors said in an emailed statement. Violations will either lead to criminal charges or fines, prosecutors said.

Germany has banned gatherings of more than two unless the people live in the same household. Restaurants and bars are shut and no events, including religious services, are allowed to take place. The rules are an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

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