Germany reports highest number of new infections since April

Germany on Tuesday reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since April, although numbers remain below the nation’s peak.

German officials said 3,100 new infections were reported in the last 24 hours, putting the nationwide total at 304,673. The country also reported 21 new deaths for a total of 9,554.

The new cases are Germany’s largest single-day jump since April 18, according to Bloomberg. The record for single-day cases was nearly 7,000.

Numerous other countries in the region have seen cases increase since August, according to the news outlet, due to a combination of returning vacationers and indoor gatherings.

Health Minister Jens Spahn has warned Germans that they are exacerbating the problem by failing to comply with public health rules, citing pictures that have circulated of people in Berlin gathering without masks.

German officials have said mitigation measures will almost certainly remain in place into 2021, even if a vaccine is completed and made available.

Klaus Cichutek, head of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, which is responsible for vaccines in the country, told German broadcaster ZDF that the existence of a vaccine will not immediately end the dangers.

Cichutek said that while he is optimistic vaccines will be available early next year, “we have to remember that initially there will only be a limited amount … and we mustn’t forget that there will also be certain logistical problems.” He cited the question of how to transport and store the drugs at appropriately low temperatures.

The nation has made masks mandatory for members of the German parliament, the Bundestag. The rule is set to be in effect until at least next January. Lawmakers could be fined up to the equivalent of $5,890 for failure to comply, according to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Four districts of Berlin have been declared high-risk zones, or areas with more than 50 cases per 100,000 residents for more than seven consecutive days.