For the first time since February, the RKI has recorded more than 500 corona deaths within 24 hours. Virologist Drosten predicts an omicron problem. Deutsche Bahn starts 3G controls in local transport. The news ticker.
- The RKI reports 69,601 new infections. The number of deaths is above 500 for the first time.
- Virologist Drosten expresses concern about the Omikron variant.
- Deutsche Bahn tightened 3G controls in local transport.
- This news ticker on the subject of Corona in Germany is updated regularly.
Berlin – It’s a sad number: 527 people died within 24 hours with or from Corona, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on Wednesday. The last time that many deaths were recorded was in February. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the death toll has risen to a total of 104,047.
The RKI also reports 69,601 new corona cases. Exactly one week ago there were 67,186 infections. However, experts assume that the data are distorted. Individual regions are currently completely overloaded and can hardly keep up with reporting the corona numbers. Apparently there were problems with the transmission in Saxony.
The nationwide incidence is 427 (previous day: 432.2). Two federal states crack the 1000 mark: Thuringia (1,028.0) and Saxony (1,125.0).
RKI Corona case numbers in Germany (as of December 8, 2021)
| 6,291,621 people in Germany have been proven to be infected with Sars-CoV-2. |
| 104,047 people have died with or from Corona since the beginning of the pandemic. |
| The RKI estimates the number of those who have recovered at around 5,225,700. |
| According to the RKI, there are currently 961,900 active corona cases in Germany. |
Drosten: “Omikron will probably be a problem in Germany from January”
Virologist Christian Drosten has expressed concern about the rapid spread of the Omikron variant. In South Africa, the growth rates are high despite the summer that is beginning there. “And that’s why I wouldn’t say at the moment that the pandemic in Germany will be over by Easter if Omikron takes over,” said the scientist from the Berlin Charité in the new NDR podcast “Coronavirus Update”.
“I think we will have a problem with Omikron in Germany from January,” said Drosten. The variant will probably make it necessary to adapt the existing vaccines. So far, he has known about 25 to 30 Omicron cases from his exchange with colleagues in this country. The number is not complete and will increase rapidly. The virus seems to be “extremely spreadable”. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) spoke of four previously confirmed cases last Thursday.
According to the Corona expert, a new generation of adapted vaccines could possibly be used from the second quarter of 2022. Manufacturers had announced work to adapt to Omikron. The variant shows numerous mutations at critical points. It is to be feared that Omikron is “not harmless” for unvaccinated people, said Drosten. One shouldn’t fall into euphoria because of reports of mild developments in South Africa: Most people there have already been infected with Sars-2 corona virus.
2,500 euros fine! Deutsche Bahn tightens 3G controls in local transport
As of Wednesday, Deutsche Bahn is tightening the so-called 3G controls in regional traffic. From now on, the so-called customer advisors, i.e. conductors, will also check when the tickets are checked whether the passengers have been vaccinated, recovered or tested (3G). So far, it was mainly the security staff in local transport that had done this. However, it remains with random checks, said the railway. The 3G certificate is only asked if the inspectors are accompanied by security personnel. It was said that two employees would always be used for the control in order to ensure the greatest possible safety for the customer service representatives in local transport.
3G has been mandatory in regional and long-distance traffic since November 24th. If you cannot provide proof of this, you will be asked to leave the train at the next station. There is a risk of a fine of up to 2500 euros. (ml with dpa) Here you will find our news ticker (until December 7th) for reading. * Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
