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Germany’s New Virus Cases Up Most in More Than Three Months

Germany’s New Virus Cases Up Most in More Than Three Months

Germany recorded the highest number of new coronavirus cases in more than three months, with daily infections staying above 1,000 for three straight days.

There were 1,319 new infections in the 24 hours through Thursday morning, the most since May 1 and bringing the total to 220,859, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The number of daily cases reached almost 7,000 at the peak of the pandemic at the end of March and in early April.

There were five fatalities through Thursday morning, taking the overall number of deaths from the disease to 9,213.

Germany has experienced an increase in infections across the country in recent weeks, with a number of outbreaks in settings such as larger family events and leisure activities, as well as in educational and professional facilities.

Covid-19 cases are also increasingly being detected among travelers returning to the country, according to the RKI public health institute.

“My biggest concerns are people returning from trips abroad and that there are certain events such as celebrations and parties where infections can happen,” German Health Minister Jens Spahn said in an interview with ZDF television Thursday.

“What’s important for me is that nurseries and schools can reopen as normal and that industry and trade can continue. That’s important to secure jobs.”

Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to hold talks with regional education ministers later on Thursday as students return to school in some regions this week after the pandemic disrupted the summer vacation season.

The challenges facing local authorities were highlighted by Bavarian Health Minister Melanie Huml on Wednesday. At a press conference, she said that due to bureaucratic delays the state has yet to inform 900 people that they’re infected with the disease. Around 44,000 people who have been tested have yet to receive their results.

Spahn said that the testing problems in Bavaria are “irritating,” but that mistakes can happen in “unusual times.”

“The important thing is that things are done transparently and quickly sorted out, and that’s what the Bavarian government is doing,” he added. “I’m pleased that we are testing so widely, but you must be able to deliver the results.”

Germany’s reproduction factor -- or R value -- dropped to 0.88 on Wednesday, the RKI’s latest report showed. That means 100 infected people are estimated to spread the disease to around 88 others. The government is trying to keep the infection rate below the key threshold of 1.0 to prevent a fresh surge in infections.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.