German New Coronavirus Deaths Slow to the Lowest Since March

(Bloomberg) --

New fatalities from the coronavirus in Germany were the lowest in more than a month as the country eases its containment measures.

In the 24 hours through Sunday morning 39 people died, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. That’s the fewest deaths on a daily basis since March 31. There were 736 new infections, the lowest in five days, bringing the country’s total to 171,324.

Meanwhile, Germany’s so-called reproduction factor, which reflects the number of additional cases directly generated by one infected person, is back above one. The number -- known as R-naught -- increased to 1.1 from 0.89, according to the latest situation report from the country’s public health authority published Saturday evening. R-naught needs to be below 1 to contain the virus spread.

Germany took its biggest step yet to ease restrictions intended to halt the pandemic this week as it made plans to allow restaurants and shops to open as well as for the resumption of professional soccer matches.

Social-distancing rules will stay in place until at least June 5, and curbs may be reinstated locally if outbreaks emerge. Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Germans to stick to limits on public contact to stem the risk of a second wave of infections.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.