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A touch of optimism: From the point of view of RKI boss Wieler, nothing else is appropriate. New corona infections remain at a high level. However, according to Wieler, the measures are showing their first effects.
From the point of view of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the “blocking light” shows an initial cautious effect in November. The number of new infections nationwide is stabilizing, but at a high level.
The institute’s director, Lothar Wieler, warned: “We are still a long way from the mountain.” The situation remains “very serious”. It is not clear whether it is possible to speak of a change in trend. But Wieler was optimistic that the effect of the measures would continue.
How long the stricter conditions should remain in place cannot yet be estimated, Wieler said. If the number of new infections cannot be contained, there is still a risk that clinics will reach their limits and patients will not be able to receive optimal care.
Schools and nurseries must remain open
Despite the persistently high number of infections, Wieler advised against expanding measures by closing schools and daycare centers. The infection process in schools can be controlled. The incidences in children under twelve years of age are lower than in other age groups. Children tend to chase the infection. However, the “smart concepts” that schools and daycare centers developed for their protection must also be applied.
The best hope in the fight against the pandemic remains an early vaccine. This would be “a very good weapon,” Wieler said. By the time a vaccine is approved, the pandemic can be much better controlled.
More recently, the two collaborating groups Biontech and Pfizer, as well as the Moderna company, had reported great strides in the search for an active ingredient.
About 22,600 new infections nationwide
In the morning, the RKI reported 22,609 new corona infections in 24 hours, about 5,000 more cases than the previous day. Some 750 more cases have been reported compared to a week ago. Last Thursday, the number of new infections reported was 21,866.
The peak was reached last Friday with 23,542 reported cases. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the RKI has counted a total of 855,916 infections detected with Sars-CoV-2 in Germany (as of November 19, 00:00). The number of deaths related to the virus increased by 251 through Thursday to a total of 13,370.
RKI talks about “fuzzy events”
The RKI estimates that around 562,700 people have recovered. According to RKI’s situation report on Wednesday night, the so-called seven-day R was 0.95 (previous day: 0.97). This means that, in theory, 100 infected people infect 95 more people. The value represents the onset of the infection eight to 16 days ago. If it is below 1 for a long time, the infection process subsides.
The RKI made a “mostly diffuse event” responsible for the high number of cases. There are numerous accumulations in homes, but increasingly also in community facilities and nursing homes and nursing homes, as well as in the professional environment. There is also an accumulation based on religious events. However, for a large proportion, the infection environment cannot be determined.
