BERLIN - Germany reported the country's third death from the novel coronavirus, with the official total number of cases jumping to 1,567 as of 3 pm Wednesday, according to the disease control agency, Robert Koch Institute.

The patient who died on Wednesday is a 73-year-old from the worst-hit Heinsberg district of the North Rhine-Westphalia.

More states decided to cancel gatherings with over 1,000 participants.

Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn said at a press conference on Wednesday it was good that many events with more than 1,000 visitors were now canceled. People would have to understand that everyone would have to do without a bit of everyday life "to protect themselves and to protect others".

Berlin and Baden-Wurttemberg postponed the start of the summer semester at universities.

The Editor's Network of Germany reported that a member of the Bundestag, Germany's lower parliamentary house, has also been tested positive of the novel coronavirus.