Looking back couldn't be more confusing. There were many, regionally different, developments in the matter of coronavirus. Thuringia is currently attracting particular attention, as Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (left) would like to abolish the mask requirement. He relies on the voluntary implementation of corona protective measures and receives enormous criticism from all sides. Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery and the Bavarian Covid-19 Disaster Team, Florian Herrmann (CSU), told BILD: “The Thuringian plans are a highly dangerous experiment for everyone in this country. The lifting of all protective measures comes too early and is not appropriate to the current situation because the virus has not yet been defeated. "
Furthermore, care homes should be mentioned, in which the SARS-coV-2 pathogen spreads very quickly once it is on site. At the moment, 23 people were tested positive for the new virus in a retirement home in Düsseldorf, and one resident was hospitalized. Those affected are now in quarantine and free of symptoms so far, as the city announced today. The health department tested a total of around 100 residents after the coronavirus was detected by one employee.
All kinds of shops are open again, as are cafes, restaurants, theaters, fitness studios, hairdressers and beauticians (...). The first ones, however, are already closed again because half the turnover is not enough or in some places in Germany people are still holding back and the shops remain empty. Wherever they did meet, for example in an inn in Leer in East Frisia, they became infected with each other. Although the guests are said to have been invited, a test run (pre-opening) that failed miserably. As of today, 18 positive corona cases are said to be in connection with a visit to the "Alte Scheune" restaurant, and a total of 118 people (participants in the pre-opening) are said to have been quarantined. A church service in Frankfurt am Main, during which the corona virus is said to have spread, also made headlines. At least 107! People are said to have been infected there, as the Hessian Health Minister Kai Klose confirmed.
We are waiting to see what the next week brings!
According to the Robert Koch Institute, the reproduction number (R value) remains below the critical limit of 1,0. The new calculated "7-day R" is currently at 0,88, announced the RKI.
According to a study by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), the coronavirus, SARS-coV-2, affects numerous other organs in addition to the lungs. The head of the study, Tobias Huber, says: "Sars-CoV-2, the novel corona virus, is not just a lung virus, but a multi-organ virus". Investigations of 27 people who died of Covid-19 brought these findings. After the lungs, the kidneys were badly affected, it is said. In addition, the pathogen could be detected in the heart, liver, brain and blood, but the highest concentration in the airways.
Workers can continue to be on sick leave by telephone with their family doctor until the end of May. The joint federal committee of doctors, clinics and health insurance companies has decided that a visit to the practice will be necessary again from June 1st.
In the course of the relaxed Corona restrictions, the first Atlantic beaches have reopened in France. Bathing, walking or jogging has been allowed in La Baule and Pornichet again since Wednesday, as the prefectures announced. Other beaches on the Mediterranean and the English Channel are also expected to open by the weekend. Picnicking on the beach or lying in the sun is unfortunately not yet allowed, so as to prevent people from gathering.
The winter sports resort Ischgl (Austria) criticized as a corona hotspot is now officially corona-free again. A collection of information from the state of Tyrol shows that there is no active corona case. Just last Wednesday, the Tyrolean state parliament formed a commission to review the state government's corona crisis management. The focus will be on Ischgl, since SARS-coV-2 is said to have spread from there. The allegation is therefore obvious that the tourism industry has not reacted quickly enough to the spread and that the ski business and the catering trade (including après ski parties) would have stopped too late.
According to Johns Hopkins University, almost 33.000 people in the UK have died in connection with Covid-19, other sources speak of as many as 40.000. Prime Minister Boris Johnson quantifies the deaths from the healthcare system: 144 employees and another 131 social workers. Great Britain complains of more Corona deaths than any other European country.
The state's courts are concerned with the growing resistance of citizens to binding quarantine measures, and the quarantine requirement in Lower Saxony is currently being overturned. The Prime Ministers of North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland, Armin Laschet and Tobias Hans, announced that they would suspend compulsory quarantine (usually 14 days) in their countries. In doing so, they reacted to the aforementioned judgment from Lower Saxony, which invalidates the regulation for this state. The worldwide number of corona cases did not (or no longer) allow people entering Germany to be forced to quarantine. Laschet even called the health protection regulation "anti-European".
The federal government, the states and the municipalities will probably have to make do with less tax revenue of EUR 118,8 billion this year. This is confirmed by data from the Ministry of Finance, which are available to the German press agency. The Ministry of Finance now anticipates crisis costs of over 453 billion euros in 2020 alone. In a comparable document, 100 billion less was mentioned in April.
The RKI (Robert Koch Institute) considers border openings in Europe to be possible, but only under certain conditions. RKI Vice President Lars Schaade says: If there was a similar epidemiological situation in the neighboring countries, one could justify the opening of the borders.
The Spanish government has issued a two-week quarantine for all people entering the country from May 15! They are then only allowed to buy food, visit a doctor or because of an emergency in the house, according to the authorities. The forced quarantine applies to all people who come to Spain during the state of emergency (currently until May 24).
With its number of corona cases, Russia is now in second place on the Covid-19 map (Johns Hopkins University), closely behind the USA. Since the easing, the number of infections has risen rapidly, today at over 232.000! The country also mourns 2.116 deaths, according to official information.
According to the information from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the number of reproductions is over 1 - exactly 1,07. This is the third day of crossing the magic 1 limit. The R value indicates how many people an infected person infects on average. One would only be able to draw conclusions in a few days, says the RKI.
US President Donald Trump claimed in a press conference on Friday that the coronavirus would go away "by itself" without a vaccine. He says: "It will go away and hopefully we won't see it again". There are viruses and flu that have come and gone without a vaccine ever found, it said. The virus might or might not flare up again in autumn (...) Trump is pretty much alone with this dubious statement, he seems to be ignoring scientific knowledge. He does not name any sources for his assessment. Numerous experts around the world are trying to develop a vaccine and are working hard on the solution for or against SARS-coV-2.
An emergency mechanism regarding new corona infections was agreed nationwide. This is 50 per 100.000 inhabitants. The federal state of Lower Saxony wants to handle the problem more strictly and intervenes from 35 new infections. Loosening when the mark is exceeded would not have to be taken back for the entire population if the focus of infection can be assigned.
One of the largest meat processors, the Tönnies company in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, now has to complete corona mass tests. A test center was set up on the site of the site in the Gütersloh district, company spokesman Andre Vielstädte confirms. Around 6500 people work in the company, some of them in the slaughterhouse. The reason for the mass tests is the corona outbreak at the competitor Westfleisch / Coesfeld. Now all meat factories in NRW are to be examined for the virus. The district of Gütersloh thinks the authorities do 500 tests a day, so the campaign is dragging on a little.
The Hamburg police discovered a mass of violations of the corona contact restrictions last weekend. A whopping 220 administrative offenses were recorded and about 120 dismissals pronounced, as a spokeswoman reports. The numbers are only a fraction of the whole, because the police have had countless conversations so far and have often left it at that. Especially around the Alster and of course on the Elbe, people gather in groups and whistle for distance rules. Apparently, many no longer take the pandemic seriously.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to extend the lockout, which has been in force for seven weeks, until June, he said in a televised address that evening: "The number of deaths is tragic, the suffering is immense". Classes at primary schools could only be gradually resumed from June 1st. Only then are some shops allowed to reopen. With a look at the Covid-19 map, the UK has 31.930 deaths related to the coronavirus.
The Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, gave his compatriots hope for a summer vacation on the beach during the Corona crisis. He told the newspaper "Corriere della Sera": "We will not spend this summer on the balcony and the beauty of Italy will be don't stay in quarantine. We can go to the sea, to the mountains, enjoy our cities ". Unfortunately, he left it open whether tourists from Germany would be allowed in.
Turkey wants to gradually start domestic travel from the end of May, culture and tourism minister Mehmet Ersoy told CNN Türk. International flights are expected to start gradually again in June to bring travelers to their destination. Hotels and restaurants are subject to strict requirements for hygiene and the like. Turkey has developed a certification program for this purpose, it comprises 132 points. Holidaymakers can look forward to pandemic-trained employees and, for example, there will also be buffets in the future, but without self-service. Tourists shouldn't forget to look at the essentials; almost 60 percent of the intensive care beds in Antalya are occupied.
The Corona crisis creates billions in debt, which is why Federal Finance Minister Olaf Scholz insists on higher taxes for particularly wealthy citizens. Compared to the "Tagesspiegel am Sonntag" he said: Citizens who earn a lot more, should make a slightly higher contribution. This would also be in the next election program. Scholz refers to the election manifesto from 2017, in which the SPD called for a top tax rate of 45 percent and the introduction of a so-called tax on the rich. In detail, it is about three percent on the top tax rate, starting with a taxable income of 250.000 euros (single people).
The European Parliament in Strasbourg is to open its doors as a new corona test center from Monday. The authorities speak of a test capacity of 2000 pieces per day. In the Louise Weiss building, an area for the - special - test center is to be made available free of charge. There, residents from the Bas-Rhin department and especially from Strasbourg can be tested. The offer is valid for people without typical Covid-19 symptoms who have been identified as contact cases. The doctor will take care of the referral there.
The number of employees who tested positive in a meat processing company in Coesfeld rose to more than 180, said the spokesman for the district. All 1200 employees are currently being examined, and more than 900 SARS-coV-2 tests have already been carried out. The spread of the virus was most likely within the living quarters of the Eastern European workers, Minister Laschet also admitted on the recently broadcast Markus Lanz broadcast (ZDF).
In the Bavarian town of Schaufling, the rehab clinic of the hospital operator Asklepios was closed because twelve patients tested positive for the corona virus. The order to be closed by the health department affects both the rehabilitation department and the auxiliary hospital. According to the clinic, 40 patients were transferred, some of whom were released into domestic isolation.
A robot advises passers-by in Singapore to observe the distance rule. It is a pilot project which, if successful, will be expanded. A female voice then says: "For your own safety and that of others: Please keep a distance of one meter". Those who don't follow the rules can expect high fines.
In Germany - according to the latest information from the Robert Koch Institute - 22.382 people are currently infected with SARS-coV-2. In total, over 170.000 infections were recorded (COVID-19 map), of which more than 139.000 people have already recovered. Germany complains of 7510 deaths in connection with the corona virus.
In a senior citizens' residence in Bremen, major hygiene deficiencies - presumably - led to a severe outbreak with the coronavirus. In addition to the twelve sick people, a high number of secondary cases can be expected, said Senator for Social Affairs Anja Stahmann. She raised serious allegations against those responsible for the facility, which mainly houses dementia patients. Over the long weekend in May, no rapid report to the authorities should have been made. Despite preventive advice in April, employees did not follow the appropriate measures to let residents live in limited living areas. According to the Senate, two doctors noticed the poor condition of the residents in some cases, as well as inadequate hygiene precautions. The entire residence is now in quarantine.
The number of corona deaths in France has risen to more than 26.000, as the Ministry of Health announced. In the past 24 hours, the country recorded an additional 243 deaths in hospitals and nursing homes. After all, the number of patients in intensive care units continues to decline. Hospitals in the greater Paris area and the Grand Est, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in the south-east of the country and Hauts-de-France in the north are the busiest.
After the corona outbreak among the employees of a meat processing company in Coesfeld, the employees of all slaughterhouses in NRW are now to be tested for the new virus SARS-coV-2, said government spokesman Christian Wiermer.
With 87 confirmed infections, the district of Steinburg (around Itzehoe / Schleswig-Holstein) is above the limit set by the federal and state governments of 50 newly infected people per 100.000 inhabitants. The exact limit for the district with 131.000 inhabitants is 66 new infections. It remains to be seen which measures need to be scheduled.
Health Minister Spahn is using the time to introduce a new "Corona law". In detail, this means: more SARS-coV-2 tests, much better equipped health authorities (cost around 50 million euros) and a bonus for the nursing staff involved. In addition, the Robert Koch Institute is to receive more funding, above all 40 new positions are to be set up there.
From now on, the Spanish military wants to use UV radiation in the fight against the corona virus. A robot made in Germany - tEODor - is supposed to help. This was originally developed for defusing tasks. Equipped with a UV lamp that is activated by remote control, it should disinfect surfaces, as reported by the Spanish media. First, the University Hospital of Valencia is to be freed from the virus. Possibly a pioneering method to neutralize the virus in public buildings. In the fight against SARS-coV-2, this alone is not enough, after all, the virus is mainly transmitted via droplets. Still very innovative: microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria can be rendered harmless by UV rays in seconds, without any chemicals.
Virologist Alexander Kekulé is concerned about the pace and extent of the easing of restrictions in Germany. The traceability of infections is not yet as far as desired, he says on ZDF. Risk groups are still not adequately protected. The loosening that has now been agreed will "reduce the level of safeguards" and "a sustainable protection concept" is important (...).
The Prime Minister Armin Laschet (North Rhine-Westphalia) announces comprehensive easing in all areas after the talks between the federal and state governments. In today's press conference he said: "Social and economic life is returning". Details on the relaxations:
From May 11, restaurants will be allowed to reopen under certain conditions. From May 21, tourists can arrive and stay in hotels. Gyms are allowed to open and small open-air concerts are allowed. From Pentecost even swimming pools are supposed to open their doors again and from May 30th fairs and congresses are allowed. Apartments and campsites can also be used again.
At today's video conference, the federal and state governments extended the corona-related contact restrictions in Germany until June 5th. It was also agreed to loosen the gears, which should please many. In the future, relatives of two households should also be allowed to meet.
An increase in short-time work benefits of up to 87 percent is estimated to cost several billion euros. According to a request from the left-wing group, the agreed three-month increase, with an average number of three million employees, would result in additional expenditure of one billion euros. The cost of reimbursing social security contributions to employers is estimated to be around three billion euros on the same basis.
More than 10.000 people in Germany who are actively working in the healthcare sector have been infected with the corona virus.The current status report by the RKI shows that 10.101 employees from medical practices, clinics and emergency services already had the virus in them. Of these, 16 people (according to the RKI) died, 442 had to be treated in the hospital.
Scientists from Braunschweig have found an antibody that successfully prevents the coronavirus from entering cells. Virologist Luka Cicin-Sain from the Helmholtz Center told the "Braunschweiger Zeitung": "This is clearly a breakthrough that shows that we are on the right track to develop a drug against Covid-19". A total of 6000 different, artificially produced antibodies were analyzed. A drug against Covid-19 may come from the favorite as early as autumn to treat seriously ill patients.
In Jena, schoolchildren were also required to wear a mask, a kind of special situation among German schools. The Jena Free Waldorf School, on the other hand, had taken legal action and received the law. Masks no longer have to be worn during school hours. There were only a few infections on site, which is why the court declared the order to be illegal.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) does not see any problems in Germany in the foreseeable future with the care of severe Covid 19 cases in intensive care units. RKI boss Wieler says: "With the current dynamics, one has to be clear that no bottlenecks are forecast". The prerequisite, however, would be that the number of new infections does not increase.
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) has presented a comprehensive road map for the desired corona loosening. It sums up: "More freedom, more responsibility for the individual!"
Exit restrictions are lifted (Certain contact restrictions and a ban on gathering people in public spaces remain); Family visits allowed again (You can meet a person outside your own household and also close family members); No mask requirement in class (There should be "no mask requirement in class", but the students should wear ... masks in the schoolyard); Sports allowed again; Open museums and leisure facilities; Visiting ban in hospitals relaxed; Gradual opening of restaurants and hotels (Outside areas of restaurants on May 18, indoor restaurants on May 25, hotels on May 30); All shops are allowed to open (800 square meter rule no longer applies); Day care centers and schools are gradually opening up.
Söder himself: “Now is the right time to open it carefully. The successes are clear. "
RKI President Lothar Wieler says we have to prepare for several waves of the corona pandemic in Germany. The virus remains dangerous until 60 to 70 percent of the population is immune. Further: "That is why we know that there is almost certainly a second wave". The majority of scientists are certain of this.
At an international donor conference, the EU raised 7,4 billion euros for a vaccine against the coronavirus, and Chancellor Merkel said this was a sign of hope for many countries in such difficult times. Germany committed 525 million to boost the development of a SARS-coV-2 vaccine. French President Emmanuel Macron said that a future corona vaccine will be a public good that belongs to no one. France committed 515 million, Japan approximately 760 million, Canada approximately 550 million. Incidentally, the USA did not participate.
Health Minister Jens Spahn is amazed at the debate about his planned immunity card and defends it: "We have that quite normal with other virus diseases too." And: "What it is used for is first of all the decision of the citizen." You can also go to your family doctor at any time to determine antibodies against hepatitis and the like and have them entered in your vaccination card. To what extent such a Covid-19 ID card should allow exceptions to strict corona restrictions remains open.
After a seven-week lockdown, Iceland begins to gradually relax its corona measures. Today some schools started operating again. Universities are planning to resume courses. Dentists are allowed to open again, including hairdressers. The strict ban on assembly was also lifted. Up to 50 people can meet again. Only sports halls, bars and swimming pools remain closed.
Hairdressing salons were stormed in Germany. If you get an appointment, you feel like winning the lottery. Unfortunately, not everyone can hope for a quick appointment and must wait until the end of the month.
The state of Lower Saxony wants to reopen its gastronomy from next Monday - with restrictions. In detail: Restaurants, pubs and beer gardens should then be able to open a maximum of 50 percent of the seats for guests, said State Minister of Economics Bernd Althusmann. In addition, a reservation requirement should apply.
The Covid-19 drug Remdesivir has just received a special approval for the USA and is considered a beacon of hope in the fight against lung disease. Approval is also expected for the EU soon. The question remains. The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, a non-governmental organization that analyzes drug prices, first suggested a possible price for the drug in the United States: $ 4500 per patient! This triggered a debate that is far from over. It was still too early for the final price setting, since there are still many factors involved in the pricing. The manufacturer of the drug Gilead has promised to deliver its current inventory of approximately 140.000 treatment units free of charge.
According to the calculations of the Robert Koch Institute, the number of reproductions has dropped slightly, currently at 0,74. The previous day the value was still 0,78. The number of reproductions indicates how many people a person infected with Corona infects on average. If it is below one, the spread of the virus tends to decrease, experts say.
There are few infections in Schleswig-Holstein, which is why large stores, regardless of the retail space, can reopen next Saturday. Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) confirms this and points to the positive developments regarding new infections. Special requirements such as a maximum number of customers and the obligation to wear a mouth-and-nose cover continue to apply as before.
To avoid possible quarantine, Vienna Airport is offering SARS-coV-2 tests from Monday. For a whopping 190 euros, passengers can then be tested for the new corona virus, the airport said. Within 3 hours, immigrants then know whether they are positive or negative. So far, immigrants have either had to show a negative finding that is not older than four days or have been in quarantine for two weeks.
Due to the corona pandemic, cafes, pubs and restaurants have been closed for many weeks. According to the will of Saxony's Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Dulig (SPD), they should be allowed to reopen from May 15. If the number of infections remains positive, he suggests opening the outside areas. He told the DPA as follows: "You could test whether the safety precautions work before everything starts to build up on Pentecost weekend."
Russia is experiencing an undesirable record of new corona infections, authorities confirm. There have been 24 new infections in the last 10.633 hours, a total of 134.686 cases. The death toll increases by 58 and now amounts to 1.280.
In France, 24.760 people have died of Covid-19 so far, 166 more than the previous day. The number of patients treated in hospitals drops from 25.887 to 25.827. The intensive cases also decrease somewhat from 3.878 to 3.827. Both numbers reflect a downward trend that has been going on for two weeks and which I hope will continue.
The Americans have approved the drug Remdesivir for the treatment of Covid 19 patients - in certain cases. It can be given to seriously ill patients, for example those with breathing difficulties who need oxygen or who need a ventilator, the FDA announced.
In the UK, the number of deaths has risen to 28.131, an increase of 621 compared to the previous day, said Housing Minister Robert Jenrick. This means that almost as many people in Great Britain have now died as a result of SARS-coV-2 infection as in troubled Italy. According to the Johns Hopkins University, 28.710 people have already died there.
From Monday, everyday life in Saxony-Anhalt will be more pleasant again, because the state is loosening the strict, contact restrictions that have existed for six weeks. Now up to five people can travel together again. No matter whether they live in a household or not. So far, it was only allowed to meet another person (not living in the household) there.
A study by the Center for Infectious Disease Research at the University of Minnesota shows the pandemic could last for up to two years. The spread of the new coronavirus is much more difficult to get under control than, for example, flu viruses. This is due to the fact that infected people can spread the SARS-coV-2 pathogen without any symptoms. The researchers believe that despite "lock-downs" the threat will not be over soon. It is important to be prepared for further waves of infection in the next two years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) wants to participate in the investigation into the origin of SARS-coV-2 in China. She asked the Chinese government for an invitation, said WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic. China is under increasing pressure when it comes to the origin of the evil. Several governments around the world are demanding transparency. United States President Donald Trump said yesterday that he had information to justify the assumption that the novel virus came from a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Johns Hopkins University's Covid 19 survey today lists over 163.000 corona infections. 6.623 deaths have so far been reported in connection with the novel lung disease.
Citing a report by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds, the "Augsburger Allgemeine" reported on the unusually high sickness rate in Germany. The statutory health insurance (GKV) recorded in April 2020 - 43 percent more sick leave than in March. In March it was 1,49 million, in April it was suddenly 2,13 million sick. Furthermore, employees with mild respiratory problems can take sick leave by telephone.
The first weekend in May is a blessing for the Spaniards, since they have finally been allowed to come out again for the last seven weeks. Walking and playing sports is now possible again, but sometimes with restrictions, as Health Minister Salvador Illa explained. Spaniards can leave the house between 6 and 10 a.m. and between 20 and 23 p.m. When walking, however, they may only move up to one kilometer from their place of residence. Sports are not allowed to leave the community, it is said. This first relaxation of the strict curfew for adults is part of a four-phase government plan.
According to the Johns Hopkins University, 162.530 corona people are registered in Germany, and 6.572 deaths are reported. Most deaths are spread across Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg.
Because of the corona crisis, more than 30 million people are now unemployed in the United States. Last week alone, 3,84 million people registered as unemployed. A devastating economic crisis for the land of unlimited opportunities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is shattering hopes of quickly receiving a vaccine against the coronavirus. This is only visible in the far distance, according to the European office. Adam Finn, WHO Vaccination Expert: "Vaccines that are already in trial may be the ones that get the most attention and generate the most optimism". Still, they could prove ineffective and insecure as they evolve, he warns. The racehorse with the best start is not always the one that crosses the finish line.
It seems families can breathe a sigh of relief, because playgrounds should be opened promptly. These have been closed for a few weeks and entry is strictly prohibited. Children mainly had to play in their own four walls, with luck in their own yard or garden. Overcrowded systems should be avoided at all costs and common hygiene rules must also be observed. The information mentioned comes from the German Press Agency (DPA) and is based on the results of today's video conference of the ministers of all countries with Chancellor Merkel.
According to Johns Hopkins University records, nearly 170.000 people in France have been infected with the novel corona virus. More than 24.000 people have died as a result. Over 15.000 of them died in a hospital, more than 9.000 in old people's and nursing homes. The number of new admissions to clinics is declining, according to the authorities.
Similar to public transport, Lufthansa is now introducing a mask requirement. The company recommends that customers wear mouth-nose protection throughout the flight. The obligation applies from Monday (May 4th), initially until August 31st, 2020. With the new regulation, the usual way of keeping the middle seats in rows of three is no longer required. Lufthansa justified this procedure by wearing the masks.
According to Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD), far more people will be affected by short-time work than in the financial crisis in 2009. Back then there were almost 1,5 million short-time workers. According to Heil, this number should already have been exceeded in March and April 2020. The consequences remain to be seen.
The federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg want to help hotels and restaurants get back on track with a three-stage concept. Tourist outdoor activities such as zoos, amusement parks and climbing facilities are expected to open soon. In the second step, restaurants, holiday apartments and hotels are to follow, possibly with restrictions. The states would determine on their own responsibility the date on which the phases begin, it says.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, tests for the novel corona virus are declining in this country. In the past week, only 323.449 people were tested for Sars-coV-2, about 85.000 fewer than the week before. In fact, 800.000 tests could be carried out a week. An RKI spokeswoman said: "The number of tests could have decreased because the number of Covid diseases and the associated suspected cases has decreased". Alexander Kekulé, himself a virologist, sees the frugality when testing as a bad sign. "Right now, in the easing phase, we have to do massive tests to protect risk groups and prevent foci of infection," he told the "Spiegel".
According to a media report by the ZDF magazine "Frontal 21", the government-recommended preparation process for masks is not enough to really make all viruses harmless. The magazine uses a paper from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Thus, the process (dry heat at 70 degrees) is being questioned and the experts would soon have to at least issue a warning.
Greece wants to loosen the previous corona restrictions from May 4th and from June 1st even year-round hotels should even be allowed to open again, explains Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The European tourism sector was the hardest hit industry in the Corona crisis, which many countries are feeling.
Our neighbor France also sees the time to relax the strict protective measures and wants to gradually lift restrictions from May 11, says Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Premise: The daily new infections must not exceed the 3000 mark!
The Swiss Corona officer Daniel Koch commented in an interview with the magazine "Großeltern-Magazin" regarding the contact between grandparents and grandchildren. There is no danger from physical contact with children up to the age of ten, he says. They are unlikely to be infected and accordingly they are unlikely to transmit the disease. It also says: Even if the children were in contact with infected people, the virus could hardly be transmitted when they hug. These statements unsettled some readers who could already read excerpts from the interview on Facebook.
RKI boss Wieler is currently speaking of a success to which all citizens have contributed. It is now important to defend what has been achieved, he says in today's press conference. He appeals: "Let's continue to stay at home as much as possible!" The number of reproductions is currently one (as of yesterday - 27.04.20/3,8/XNUMX) - an infected person infects another person on average. However, there are large regional differences, according to experts. According to the statistics of recorded cases, the death rate is now XNUMX percent. There are also outbreaks in old people's and care facilities.
Survivors receive £ 60.000 if their relative was a health care worker and died in connection with SARS-coV-2. British Health Minister Matt Hancock announced this. So far, 82 employees of the National Health Service NHS and 16 nurses have died from the consequences of the lung disease Covid-19.
It will take some time before we can travel to foreign countries again. Current travel warnings and restrictions on cross-border traffic will not soon come to an end. The Federal Foreign Office is trying to develop criteria in joint talks with EU partners to rebuild travel. The current warnings are effective until May 3rd. New decisions remain to be seen.
The highest administrative court in Bavaria ruled today that the 800 sqm restriction on sales is unconstitutional. The responsible judges see the border as unequal treatment and a violation of the Basic Law. The Hamburg administrative court also agrees and ruled a few days ago. The court did not override the rule. Prime Minister Söder will soon comment on the subject, but nothing will change in the rules this week, according to government circles.
As of May 4, the Italians are allowed to go back to freedom, some of the strict Corona measures are to be relaxed. Citizens can then play outdoor sports again and increase their range of motion, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced in the evening in Rome. Almost 200.000 Italians were (so far) infected with SARS-coV-2, 26.644 people died from it.
Spain was hit particularly hard by the strict exit bans and can now look forward to the first easing. After 42 days, children can now play outside and outside the door again. An almost unusual picture. Under the age of 14, accompanied by a parent, are allowed to go out for an (entire) hour a day. Parents and children are not yet allowed to move more than a kilometer away from their homes, similar to Paris.
It has been in planning for a long time. It remains to be seen when it will actually be activated: The Covid 19 warning app from the German government! Negotiations with tech giants Apple and Google are delaying the implementation of the app, Saxony's Prime Minister Kretschmer said recently in a ZDF program. ARD and “Welt am Sonntag” reported that the user data should now be stored decentrally. In any case, the app should be voluntary if it is then released. Wait!
Julia Klöckner, Federal Minister of Agriculture, is asking supermarkets to pay their employees a Corona bonus. The CDU politician is equal to Jens Spahn, who is working on bonuses for nursing staff at the same time. The food trade earns very well compared to other sectors, she says to the Funke media group. Further: “The federal government has made it possible to exempt a corona bonus from tax. I would be happy if many employers in the food industry also paid their employees a bonus - they deserved it. ”
The balance after the first Saturday of shopping is split. The minimum distance of 1,5 m was not observed everywhere. The city center was less busy than on normal Saturdays, said the Lower Saxony-Bremen trade association. The consumer mood is not really back yet, says Kai Falk, managing director of the German Retail Association. Also: From Monday, mouth protection is mandatory almost everywhere, so far only a few have worn it.
More than 20.000 people infected with the coronavirus have died in Britain's clinics. There were 24 further deaths in 813 hours related to the Covid-19 lung disease caused by the virus. Britain now officially records 20.319 corona deaths, as the health authorities in London announced. In total, the Covid-19 map shows almost 145.000 SARS-coV-2 infected for Great Britain.
According to the "Tagesspiegel", a privately run Corona test station is being built in a parking lot in Berlin's government district, similar to the drive-in test stations in the USA and other countries. A rapid antibody test is said to cost a whopping 60 euros, which by the way is available in pharmacies for only 20 euros (if not sold out). The authorities have no precise knowledge of the project. Nevertheless, the City Councilor for Health wants to check by "early next week" whether the project is legally permissible. This "pilot project" by a resourceful entrepreneur could be the starting signal for a number of such stations in order to earn quick money through fear of people.
The federal government's authorized care representative, Andreas Westerfellhaus, calls for the strict contact restrictions in nursing homes to be relaxed soon and tells the "Welt": "We know that we have to be prepared to deal with the corona virus over a longer period of time. We have to do that also adjust the situation in the care facilities: blanket, restrictive bans on visits cannot be a solution ". He calls on certain federal states to make improvements because they would continue to isolate their residents without any prospect of easing the delicate situation.
Germany reports a total of 5653 deaths related to Covid-19. Far more people, 101.501, are now considered to have recovered.
Many of those affected by loss of earnings can apply for financial compensation, in future it will be very easy - online. On the website www.ifsg-online.de all necessary information can be entered and evidence of the loss of earnings can be uploaded! Reasons: Who is sent to quarantine or has to look after children at home (...). The simplified procedure was developed together with the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Health. Baden-Württemberg, Bremen, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein also want to take part.
In order to prevent the spread of the corona virus, Poland extends the closure of kindergartens, schools and universities until May 24th. The current conditions did not allow reopening from an epidemiological point of view, said Education Minister Dariusz Piontkowski. The written Abitur will only begin on June 8th, the oral exams will even be completely omitted. Distance learning for pupils is also available in Poland. Around 38 million people live in Poland, of which just under 11.000 are considered infected, 463 died (Covid-19 map).
According to Lars Schaade, deputy head of the institute, more people should be tested on SARS-coV-2, and there is sufficient test capacity. Anyone suffering from respiratory problems, including sore throats, should be checked for the virus. The cold season would be over and more hits could be expected.
The federal government's repatriation campaign for Germans stranded abroad due to the corona pandemic began five weeks ago. The last rescue flight for the time being took off from Cape Town to bring around 300 people home. Around 240.000 people were "picked up" from abroad. There are still a few individual cases that the responsible embassies are trying to resolve.
In the US state of New York, the number of new hospital cases with Covid-19 remains constant at 1300 per day, which Governor Andrew Cuomo complains about. Overall, however, fewer patients would be treated in the hospital. A study of 3000 people found that almost 14 percent of people had antibodies, Cuomo says. In the United States, 856.209 people are currently considered infected.
According to the information from Johns Hopkins University, Germany currently has over 150.000 people infected with SARS-coV-2. 5319 people have died in connection with the coronavirus. Most in Bavaria - 1502 people. Then Baden-Württemberg with 1113 deaths, followed by North Rhine-Westphalia with 1000 deaths (excerpt from the current table).
Markus Söder has spoken out in favor of a general vaccination against SARS-coV-2, although there is still no vaccine. Until this is ready for the market, according to Söder, there can be no loosening without simultaneous requirements (for example the mask requirement). The CSU politician also emphasizes that easing, as is already the case in many federal states, is out of the question for Bavaria. "Carelessness would be a bad advisor in this situation," it continues.
In Denmark, the strict entry requirements will be relaxed as of today, with people with symptoms still being rejected at the border, Foreign and Integration Minister Mattias Tesfaye said in parliament. Foreign spouses or life partners, children and parents of Danes are allowed to enter the country again, even without an existing residence permit. On March 14, Denmark was one of the first countries in Europe to close almost the border for passenger traffic due to Corona. Only foreigners with an important reason were allowed to enter.
The regulation on opening up to business keeps the federal and state governments on their toes. In an urgent decision, the Hamburg administrative court overturned the opening of shops up to a maximum sales area of 800 square meters. The administrative court declared that there was "no reliable factual basis" for the argumentation of the Hamburg Senate that only larger sales areas over 800 square meters would have a higher "attraction".
While in Germany all federal states are now enforcing the obligation to wear mouth and nose protection, Switzerland has decided not to. Keeping a safe distance and washing your hands remain the most effective protective measures, it said in the media release of the Federal Council. Next: Healthy people still do not need to wear masks in public spaces. Sick people, in particular, should remain at home as before. The gradual relaxation of measures in the fight against the corona virus is accompanied by protection concepts. These have to be worked out by the branches themselves and can recommend or even plan to wear a mask.
To contain SARS-coV-2, a mouth-nose protection (sewn, bought or a scarf in case of need) should help. Bremen is now the last federal state to call for a mask requirement. A spokesman for the state government announced that the obligation should apply there from Monday to local transport and shopping.
The Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) from Mainz (RLP) has - for the first time - received approval in Germany for the clinical testing of a possible vaccine against SARS-coV-2. The Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedical Medicines announced that the Mainz-based company Biontech has received approval to test its active ingredient on "healthy" volunteers.
Protective measures on the subject of keeping your distance, wearing face masks and more are constantly being questioned, which is not only starting to annoy Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU). She doesn't like "opening discussion orgies" any more, she recently told a press conference. The popular virologist Christian Drosten also warns of a second wave of infections that may not be controlled.
The measures in the fight against the SRAS coV-2 pandemic in Germany have just been eased, and critics are already available. These come from all areas. Media professionals, entrepreneurs who fear a threat to their own existence and political troublemakers trivialize the situation and (unfortunately) reach many citizens who would like to experience normality again.
Virologist Christian Drosten (Charité) explains that loosening that is too quick is dangerous and that a second wave of infection may overwhelm us.
According to the latest information from Johns Hopkins University, there are 2,6 million corona infected people around the world. 175.621 deceased are sued.
For more than a week, fewer patients have been treated in intensive care units, reports health chief Jerome Salomon. Johns Hopkins University has more than 156.000 infected and 20.294 deaths for France. The coming weeks will show whether the trend remains positive.
Tomorrow, the far north awaits a mask requirement to curb the spread of SARS-coV-2. Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) announced this Tuesday.
The cabinet will decide on Wednesday to make wearing a mouth and nose cover (at least one scarf) compulsory when shopping and on public transport. The starting shot is April 29.
Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has no hope of returning to tourism soon: "There will be no normal holiday season this summer. That would not be justifiable," he said after a TV show. "I hope that we will have open borders again in Europe and beyond as soon as possible," he adds.
Did I already have an active SARS-coV-2 infection, so am I immune or still infectious? Or still negative? There are many questions that currently concern people around the world. The fear of an unnoticed infection is always there. Scientists from Jena, Germany have developed a rapid test that speaks the full truth in just 15 minutes. Then you can be certain whether you are carrying the pathogen or not and whether you have developed antibodies. It's easy to do, just a drop of blood and patience. The Jena tests will soon be available nationwide in German pharmacies, it is said. In some pharmacies, the test is available for around 20 euros if it is not sold out. The novel antibody test is being produced by the diagnostics company Senova in Weimar, but vaccination is a long time coming. The tests will hopefully now provide clarity, for private individuals as well as for the economy.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports a slightly increased infection rate compared to Saturday. The number is now 0,9, on Saturday it was 0,8. In plain language, this value means that one infected person infects - less - than another person, according to the statistics. Chancellor Merkel and the RKI repeatedly emphasize that the value must be permanently below 1,0 in order to contain the spread of SARS-coV-2.
In a round of talks at BILD live, Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) and North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Armin Laschet (CDU) spoke out in favor of restarting the first division soon. On May 9th, ghost games are supposed to take place again, but spectators are unthinkable for a long time. Conclusion of the men: "A weekend with football is much more bearable than a weekend without football."
Actually, the simplification of sick leave should end today, which led to fierce criticism. During the Corona period, sick leave due to colds is still possible by telephone, said the chairman of the Federal Joint Committee on Health Care, Josef Hecken, on Monday.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) announced today, on Monday, in a government statement in the state parliament that the mask would be required. Mouth and nose protection plays a "very central role" in containing the virus, he says. Currently, in some cities there is an obligation to wear any kind of mouth-nose protection, for example in Jena (Thuringia). Nobody is allowed to enter a shop without a half mask, which is why citizens in some municipalities are already lining up to receive a free copy. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is also gearing up and will be introducing mouth-nose protection for public transport from April 27.
The Canary Islands are planning to loosen the corona measures carefully. No new infections were reported on some islands. On La Graciosa, for example, there is not yet a single infection with 700 inhabitants. Regional President Ángel Víctor Torres nevertheless expects a massive slump in tourism in 2020. In total, the Johns Hopkins University reports over 200.000 SARS-coV-2 infections for Spain.
The voices regarding the clarification of the origin of SARS-coV-2 are getting louder. Prominent theories include a secret laboratory from Wuhun, from which the killer virus is said to have escaped. For example, this is the opinion of US President Donald Trump. Others turn speculation 180 degrees and say the US released it in China to harm its economy. German politicians are also demanding clarification, which is why this topic is far from being put aside.
Deutsche Post AG takes a critical view of the nationwide equipping of letter and parcel deliverers with breathing masks. The need would be extremely high. The head of operations at Deutsche Post DHL tells the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (according to a preliminary report to ZDF) that one million masks are expected per week. These huge amounts of respirators with FFP2 would then be missing in hospitals and care facilities.
In all discussions about businesspeople who would like to reopen or apply for help, many forget the elderly of society. With a 7-point plan, the Greens want to prevent people in need of care or sick people from getting lonely in the Corona crisis. For example, "bans on visits to care facilities should be prevented as far as possible," says a paper that is available to the Evangelical Press Service (epd). Relatives should be able to visit with the help of time corridors. A contingent of protective equipment is to be provided for this purpose, it continues.
In the fight against the novel corona virus SARS-coV-2, materials for self-protection and protection against others have become indispensable. Unfortunately, long-sleeved, liquid-repellent disposable gowns for doctors and nursing staff are becoming scarce in Great Britain. Officials confirm that such materials will already be missing from many intensive care units this weekend. Inventories are used up. In an emergency, authorities recommend the use of other gowns, which criticize, among other things, unions. There is a fear of an increased risk of infection for medical personnel.
Business owners, such as car dealers and bookstores, are looking forward to reopening next Monday. In contrast, the hotel and catering trade. Here the bulkheads remain tight, how long is still unclear. Many make use of an extensive range of food and drink delivery and pick-up options. Hairdressers can look forward to a lot of work soon, they should prepare for an opening soon. The industry is currently upgrading. To comply with all hygiene requirements, protective clothing of all kinds must be available. From May 4th, the blow dryers can roar again.
After small shops up to 800 sqm were allowed to reopen on Monday, many cities and municipalities are introducing a mask requirement. Wolfsburg also follows suit and demands the wearing of a face mask in shops, in public buildings, medical practices, medical facilities and also on buses. The order initially applied until May 6, the city said. Children under the age of six are exempt from the obligation.
Many businesses open their doors again, but only if the strict rules regarding hygiene and the distance between them are observed. Regardless of the sales area, car dealerships, bookstores and bicycle dealers are also allowed to reopen. Customers may have to queue up because only a certain number of people are allowed into the premises.
Corona protective measures in Moscow are monitored very strictly by the police, and misconduct is punished. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin is now extending the rules of conduct until May 1. He announced that many businesses will also be closed until May 1st. In Moscow, under the threat of punishment, every citizen is obliged to have a city passport with him if he has to go to work. Even walks or recreational sports are prohibited, which is why the extension is sure to hit the population hard.
In Germany, the numbers of sick people and new infections show a positive trend, if only gently. As of Saturday morning, the number of corona infections in this country has risen to 138.449 according to the official reporting numbers of the federal states. We recorded 4.154 deaths. On average, one speaks of about 166,8 cases per hundred thousand inhabitants.
The World Health Organization (WHO) cannot say for sure whether the presence of antibodies against a second disease with Covid-19 protects. WHO expert Mike Ryan says early research indicated that only a small proportion of citizens already have antibodies. So-called herd immunity may not help as previously hoped. A large proportion of the population is immune to this, which means that the pathogen SARS-coV-2 can no longer spread.
According to the latest information from Johns Hopkins University, almost 110.000 people in the UK are infected with SARS-coV-2. 14.607 people have died in connection with Covid-19 disease. 24 people died in just 847 hours. The British also have to accept an extension of the protective measures by three weeks.
The President of the German Travel Association, Norbert Fiebig, told the Tagesspiegel: "This summer travel will definitely be different from previous years." Holidays will, gradually, only be possible in certain regions of Germany. With the inclusion of certain precautionary measures, perhaps also in some selected EU countries. Overall, however, the travel industry expects that holidays in 2020 will be limited to home. This also corresponds to the opinion of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, who ruled out summer vacation 2020 abroad a few days ago.
At today's press conference, Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn said that the corona measures in Germany so far have been successful: "The outbreak has (as of today) become controllable and controllable again". In mid-March, the dynamic of the corona spread was still very strong, which is why the federal and state governments put the brakes on. He goes on to say: “Now we can say that it was successful (...). Since April 12, more people have recovered daily than there were new infections.
The United Nations (UN) estimates that hundreds of thousands of children could die this year because of the corona pandemic. Almost 369 million children in 143 countries would no longer have the opportunity to eat in school. Millions of children are also threatened with falling into extreme poverty. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said: "We must act now against each of these threats to our children".
Poland now wants to carefully loosen the corona protective measures. The stay in forests, parks and green areas will be allowed again from Monday, said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. He believes that a larger number of customers should be allowed in stores again. So far, only grocery stores, drug stores and pharmacies are open in Poland.
Since Wednesday there have been 3.786 new Corona cases, the Italian civil defense said. In total, almost 170.000 people in Italy are infected with SARS-coV-2, 22.170 people have died in connection with the pathogen. 525 more deaths than the previous day. In return, the number of patients treated in the intensive care unit is falling. Currently, 2.936 people still need intensive care.
On Thursday, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe extended the emergency to the whole country due to rising corona cases. Only a short time ago, he announced the emergency only for heavily affected areas, for example the greater Tokyo area, until May 6. However, this did not seem enough to the regional decision-makers, which is why the Prime Minister has now made improvements. According to the Johns Hopkins University, almost 9000 SARS-coV-2 cases are recorded for Japan, 178 dead.
In Spain, the number of infected people has increased again, currently to over 180.000. The Ministry of Health of Madrid announced that over 5000 new infections were added within a day. The death toll associated with Covid-19 increased by 551 to 19.130.
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