The number of daily new infections in Germany has reached the highest level since the beginning of May, after the Robert Koch Institute reported 1.226 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn has urged citizens and travellers to be more vigilant. 

Highest number of coronavirus infections in Germany since May

The Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s centre for disease control, confirmed on Wednesday morning that there had been 1.226 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours. The last time the number of daily new infections was higher was on May 9, when 1.251 new infections were registered. 

The peak in Germany was reached in early April when authorities were recording more than 6.000 new infections per day. The numbers fell significantly in May, allowing the government to begin gradually loosening coronavirus restrictions, but have been steadily rising again since the end of July. 

“Undoubtedly worrying”

Speaking on Deutschlandfunk radio, Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn called the development “undoubtedly worrying” and said it should be taken as an alarm signal to all. “Here we see that due to return trips, but also due to parties of all kinds, due to family celebrations in many parts of the country, we have smaller and larger outbreaks in almost all regions. 

“And that can, of course - if we don’t all get together now to watch out - develop into a dynamic.” He warned everyone to be “very, very vigilant” and urged people to observe hygiene rules, wear masks and keep their distance.

According to the RKI, at least 218.519 people in Germany have proven to be infected with the COVID-19 virus, as of August 12. Six new deaths were reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of deaths in connection with coronavirus to 9.207. According to RKI estimates, 198.800 people are now considered to have recovered from the virus.