Germany’s COVID-19 tally crosses one million-mark

Germany recorded over 22,000 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours on Friday, taking the country’s total caseload over the one million-mark, AFP reported citing the Robert Koch Institute for disease control.

After largely containing the virus in the spring, Germany is currently witnessing a second wave, with the number of patients in intensive care soaring from just over 360 in early October to over 3,500 last week. 

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Over a quarter of all of Germany’s cases have been recorded in the most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Bavaria is second with over 198,000 cases while the capital city of Berlin has recorded over 62,000 cases.

Earlier this week, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced an extension of the prevailing coronavirus restrictions till early January, unless there is a drastic drip in infection numbers.

The restrictions will be somewhat relaxed over the festive period in view of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, with gatherings of upto 10 adults being allowed from December 23 to January 1. 

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has closed restaurants, bars, sporting facilities and cultural venues, although schools and shops stay open.