Germany Sets New Record for Fastest Omicron Spread

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The spread of COVID-19 in Germany has reached an all-time high due to the new variant Omicron.

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's equivalent of Korea's Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in Germany over the past week soared to 1,426, surpassing the previous record of 1,400 set the day before.

In 24 hours, the number of new COVID-19 cases was 95,265, an increase of 16,849 from a week earlier (78,318). There were 49 deaths.

The Omicron variant in Germany became the dominant strain, accounting for 73.3% of new cases as of the 14th. The RKI explained that this proportion has expanded to 96%.

Health Minister Lauterbach expressed confidence that COVID-19 restrictions could be eased before mid-April.

In an interview with the German daily newspaper Bild, he said, "I believe restrictions can be eased before Easter." This year, Easter falls on April 17.

The phased easing of restrictions is expected to be discussed at the federal government and 16 state premiers meeting chaired by Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the 16th. However, Lauterbach believes restrictions should not be eased immediately.

He said, "We are just about to reach the peak of the Omicron wave. Easing restrictions in this situation would be like pouring oil on a burning house."

Minister Lauterbach predicted that if COVID-19 vaccination becomes mandatory, "the turmoil will end by autumn."