Coroanvirus in Germany – Action Press / REX / SIPA
The epidemic of new coronavirus is now “under control and manageable” in Germany, estimated this Friday the Minister of Health, Jens Spahn. “We can now say that it has succeeded, we have managed to pass from dynamic growth to linear growth, the infection rates have decreased significantly,” argued during a press conference the minister, stating that Germany had tested some 1.7 million people to date.
Contagion index passed below 1
Earlier in the morning, Robert Koch Institute, the federal watchdog authority, said that for the first time, each Covid-19 patient now infects less than one person.
This index, which measures the number of people on average contaminated by each Covid-19 patient, fell to 0.7, according to the Robert Koch Institute. This rate, measured using data from the last four days, is extremely monitored by the German authorities, which have made the reduction in containment measures less effective.
Berlin announced Wednesday a relaxation of its restrictions, reopening stores and, from May 4, its schools and high schools. Large gatherings such as sports competitions or concerts will remain banned at least until August 31, announced Chancellor Angela Merkel after a meeting with the leaders of the 16 regional states. Gatherings of more than two people will remain prohibited until May 3 and rules of distancing of at least 1.5 meters will remain in force, added the Chancellor.
A “stage success” which remains “fragile”
Germany’s “stage success” against the Covid-19 remains “fragile”, however, warned Angela Merkel.
In a highly commented intervention, the Chancellor warned that any further increase in the rate of infection would “overwhelm” the German healthcare system. Even with a rate “at 1.1, we could reach the limits of our healthcare system by term of beds in intensive care by October, “she said. With a rate at 1.2, we will reach the limits of our health system in July. With a rate of 1.3 we will get there already in June, ”she added.
Germany had 133,830 officially declared cases of new coronavirus (+3,380 in 24 hours) and 3,868 deaths on Friday, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
Germany will manufacture 50 million masks per week from August?
Germany will manufacture from August on its territory some 50 million masks per week, including 10 million FFP2 masks, announced Friday the Minister of Health.
“We have been able to award contracts to around 50 companies that want to produce 10 million FFP2 masks and 40 million surgical masks from August,” said Jens Spahn at a press conference in Berlin.
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