The number of coronavirus cases in Germany ticked up again on Wednesday after more than two months of steady decline, according to official data.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases reported 985 new infections to bring the total to 3.73 million, a rise of 177 cases compared to the daily increase a week ago.
Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.
The death toll rose by 48 in the past day to a total of 91,110 -- down from a daily rise of 56 a week ago.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The number of cases per 100,000 people recorded in the last seven days rose slightly to 5.1 from 4.9 on Tuesday. The incidence figure had previously been declining since late April.
Health Minister Jens Spahn dampened hopes on Wednesday for the lifting of all remaining coronavirus restrictions, saying that would depend on the pace of vaccination.
While a vaccination rate of 90 percent will soon be reached among
the over-60s, it will take a big advertising drive to reach a rate of 85 percent among the younger population, Spahn said.
“If we manage that as well as possible in July, then we also have a good prospect of an autumn, of a winter with fewer requirements and significantly fewer restrictions,” he told German radio.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was quoted as saying on Tuesday that Germany should lift all remaining coronavirus-linked curbs as soon as everyone has been offered a vaccine, suggesting that point should be reached next month.
Around 57 percent of people in Germany have received at least one dose and almost 39 percent are fully vaccinated, according to official data.
Read more:
Germany renews COVID-19 vaccine plea as Europe struggles to contain Delta variant
WHO urges ‘extreme caution’ in lifting COVID-19 restrictions citing transmission risk
Britain to use genomic sequencing to identify new COVID-19 variants across the world
Also Read
-
WHO urges ‘extreme caution’ in lifting COVID-19 restrictions citing transmission risk
The World Health Organization on Wednesday urged “extreme caution” for countries considering lifting COVID-19 restrictions, saying transmission of the ... Coronavirus -
Russia reports record daily coronavirus deaths: Tally
Russia on Tuesday recorded 652 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, the highest death toll in the country since the outbreak of the pandemic, ... Coronavirus -
Oxford researchers develop blood test predictor of coronavirus vaccine efficacy
Researchers at Oxford University said on Thursday they have developed a method to predict the efficacy of new COVID-19 vaccines based on a blood test, ... Coronavirus -
Half of Germans have first coronavirus vaccine jab but variant fuels fears
One in two Germans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, health authorities said on Friday, warning against complacency as the ... Coronavirus -
Biden queries China’s desire to find origin of coronavirus
US President Joe Biden said China was trying to project itself as a responsible nation in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it remained unclear ... Coronavirus
