German Virus Cases Rise to Highest Level Since Pandemic Began

(Bloomberg) -- Germany’s new coronavirus cases increased at the fastest pace since the pandemic started, the latest sign that Europe is failing to control the outbreak.

The country registered 7,173 new infections in the 24 hours through Thursday morning, taking the total to 344,487, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. That exceeded the previous high of 6,933 recorded on March 28. There were 44 new fatalities, lifting the overall number of deaths to 9,716.

Chancellor Angela Merkel warned late Wednesday that Germany needs to do everything possible to stem the pandemic because the country would struggle to handle a repeat of the fallout from the initial outbreak.

“Economically we can’t afford a second wave with the same consequences as we had in the spring,” Merkel said after an eight-hour discussion with leaders of Germany’s 16 states.

In the past week, the pace of new cases in Germany has accelerated, mirroring other European countries. The resurgence has prompted nations across the region to introduce tougher measures to tackle the crisis.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.