Germany lowers coronavirus risk level

German public health agency lowered coronavirus risk level to “high” from “very high” on Tuesday for the first time in 2021, reflecting a drop in the number of new infections, although the government has stressed that the pandemic is not over.

Faster roll-out of vaccination, broader testing and introduction of nationwide restrictions helped break third wave of infections. The 7-day incidence rate monitored by the German disease control agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), fell to 35.2 per 100,000 population, less than a quarter of the rate. about six weeks ago.

“In view of the developments – both the number of infections and the situation in the intensive care units – we see the dynamic that has led us to the new assessment.“Said Minister of Health Jens Spahn at a press conference with the head of the RKI. Germany had been at a “very high risk” level since mid-December.

Spahn said his aim was to avoid a reinstatement of nationwide restrictions that are regularly raised. But he stressed that while the move was a positive signal, it didn’t sound clear at all.

“The pandemic is not over … things can change quickly and there are too many examples in the world where things have gone badly, ”he added.

RKI director Lothar Wieler said it was essential to further reduce the numbers and fight infections around the world, in part through vaccination.

After a slower start than in Britain or the United States, Germany is now vaccinating its public at a rapid rate. About 43% of the population of around 83 million has now received a first dose, with about 18% fully vaccinated.