German public health authorities state that the country is facing a serious crisis. On Thursday, an infection record was registered.
For the first time, the number exceeded 60,000 cases in one day, the Public Health Institute Robert Koch announced. On Thursday, 65,371 cases were registered. The weekly average is 336 infected per 100,000. Just a month ago, that number was 74.
– We are on our way into a serious emergency. We will have an extremely unpleasant Christmas if we do not act to stop this, said head of department Lothar Wieler.
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The lower house of the National Assembly is working on a package of infection control and measures in workplaces, public transport and care homes. It is not now relevant to close schools or businesses.
Only 57 percent fully vaccinated
Several media outlets write that the Prime Minister of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), is in favor of shutting down nightlife and a total ban on large events. Christmas markets may be closed, and it is still unclear whether restaurants can stay open, according to Berlin newspaper.
Saxony hospital coordinator Michael Albrecht called for a shutdown on Wednesday.
– My personal recommendation will be a total shutdown for 14 days, Albrecht said in a video meeting with including Prime Minister Kretschmer.
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Saxony, where cities such as Dresden and Leipzig are located, has the lowest vaccination rate of all German states. Just under 60 per cent have taken the first dose, and only 57.6 per cent have been fully vaccinated. The state currently has very high infection rates. In the last week, there have been 742.2 cases of infection per 100,000 inhabitants.
The case continues during the vote
The parties in the Bundestag agreed on Thursday on new measures after the country’s infection control agency, the Robert Koch Institute, warned that the country can expect a “very terrible Christmas”.
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The measures, which must first be approved by the Federal Council, include that employees in public workplaces must present a corona passport to get to work.
Recommend third dose
The German Vaccine Commission recommends that all adults receive a third dose. All third doses should be given with an mRNA vaccine six months after the last dose. If capacity allows, the waiting time can be shortened to five months.
– Regardless of which vaccine has previously been used, an mRNA vaccine should be used as a refreshing dose, writes the Commission.
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The vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines. Janssen vaccine, which Germany also uses, is not.
From September, Germany has offered the elderly and people in risk groups an extra dose. The country has experienced a large increase in the number of corona cases in recent weeks.
Also in Norway, everyone over the age of 18 is offered a third dose of vaccine.
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