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The number of people in Germany newly infected with the coronavirus within one day has again risen sharply, reaching a record high. The health authorities reported 6,638 new infections – around 1,500 more, than on Wednesday. So far, the highest number had been registered at the end of March with just under 6,300 newly infected persons.
However, the current figures are only partly comparable with those from the spring, as considerably more testing is being done – and thus more infections are being detected.
The number of coronate tests has fluctuated between around 1.1 million and 1.2 million per week since mid-August. However, according to RKI data from Wednesday evening, the rate of positive tests has increased significantly: from 0.74 percent at the end of August to 2.48 percent in the week from October 5 to 11.
Backlog in laboratories
There is a backlog in several laboratories, some reported delivery problems for reagents. “In recent weeks, the RKI has received increasing reports from laboratories that are very close to the limits of their capacity,” writes the Robert Koch Institute in its management report of Wednesday. The additional need for testing by vacationers after the introduction of the ban on accommodation with the option of “free testing” has further aggravated the situation.
New measures
Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Minister Presidents of the German states agreed on Wednesday on uniform rules for cities and regions with high infection rates due to the rising numbers.
In concrete terms:
Mask obligation: In cities and regions with strongly increasing corona numbers, the mask obligation is to be extended. It is to apply from 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days, and is also to apply wherever people come together more closely or for longer periods.
Private celebrations: In regions with a value of more than 35 new infections, there should be a limit of 25 participants in public and 15 participants in private areas. From 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days, private celebrations should be limited to a maximum of ten participants in public space and a maximum of ten participants from a maximum of two households in private space.
Contact restrictions: If the number of new infections exceeds 50, in future only a maximum of ten people will be allowed to meet in public space. If the new measures do not bring the increase to a halt, this will be reduced to up to five persons or the members of two households.
Curfew: Also in the event of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days, a curfew will be imposed at 11 p.m. for the catering trade. Bars and clubs are to be closed.
Events: If the 50 value is exceeded, the number of participants in events will be limited to 100 persons. Exceptions require a hygiene concept coordinated with the responsible public health department.
Prohibitions on accommodation: The accommodation bans for vacationers from inner-German risk areas were the most controversial issues before the consultations. The federal and state governments also failed to reach an agreement in the Chancellor’s Office and postponed the topic until November 8. Until then, the effectiveness of this measure is to be reviewed.
— Hector Pascua, Source: RKI and kurier.at. Picture: stockilyapp.com
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