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Measured by the number of inhabitants, Austria had the highest rate of new corona infections recorded in the world on Saturday. This is shown in a listing on the online data platform “Our World in Data” (ourworldindata.org) located at the University of Oxford. In the usual seven-day average for comparisons, Austria surpassed Georgia, Switzerland and the Czech Republic with 831 new infections per million inhabitants (see graph). While Switzerland and the Czech Republic were able to slow down their new infections recently, Austria’s have risen uncontrollably since mid-October.
In Czech Republic meanwhile, the number of deaths has exceeded the 6000 mark. According to the Health Ministry, 6,058 infected people have died since the start of the pandemic. The CTK news agency reported yesterday that crematoria in various regions of the country are busy. Most of the people in the Czech Republic have always opted for cremation.
However, in the case of new infections, the curve flattens out. 4199 new cases were registered in 24 hours, 3500 less than the previous Saturday. The Prague government took drastic measures weeks ago to stem the wave of infections. Schools, restaurants, and most stores are closed. A state of emergency and a night curfew have been imposed.
Who to Slovakia wants to enter requires a negative PCR test from today Monday, which should not be more than 72 hours old. This is provided by a statement released by the UVZ state health authority on Friday evening. The new rule also applies to travelers from neighboring Slovak countries Austria, Hungary and Poland, as well as almost all other EU countries.
Currently, entry without a PCR test is only allowed in ten countries with a low risk of corona. This includes Finland and Greece as the only EU countries, while China and Japan, for example, are considered safe countries outside the EU.
Contrary to what was previously announced, rapid antigen tests used in mass tests nationwide in Slovakia will not be accepted for border crossing. Therefore, the tests originally planned for November 2 will not take place directly at the border. There are exceptions to the mandatory test for travelers whose place of work and residence is not more than 30 kilometers from the next border crossing, as well as for students and professional athletes.
In Germany Today, the federal government and the states are discussing the additional strategy. It has not been decided to relax yet. Federal Finance Minister Peter Altmaier (CDU) told “Bild am Sonntag” that “the number of infections is too high.” Despite all efforts, no change for the better has yet been achieved. The minister currently sees “little room for maneuver” to open restaurants and cinemas.
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Sder said: “There is absolutely no scope for relaxation. If you relax too early, you risk Christmas.” Instead, the head of the CSU put into play an extension or an adjustment: “We have to consider if the previous measures are sufficient.”
Chancellor Angela Merkel said on her video podcast: “The coming winter will demand a lot from all of us.” The virus will “rule our lives” for a time.
