Germany's foreign minister sought to reassure France on Thursday after reports that Germans in a border region have lashed out at French commuters over fears of them spreading coronavirus.

Germany began to restrict its borders with EU neighbors in mid-March due to concerns about the pandemic, but made exceptions for certain travelers and the transport of goods.

In the tiny western region of Saarland, which borders France and Luxembourg, local media have in recent days reported clashes dating back to late March, including cars with French license plates being scratched or pelted with eggs, and Germans yelling: "Fucking Frenchmen, go back to your fucking corona country!"