The deluge cut off a road, uprooted trees, washed away homes and sent vehicles flying
africa1 hour ago
Germany’s health minister said Friday that the proportion of coronavirus infections with the new Omicron variant will increase sharply in the days ahead, and he appealed to people to take steps to avoid infection during Christmas festivities.
German authorities are anticipating another wave of Covid-19 cases as a result of Omicron, though so far the Delta variant remains dominant in the country and case numbers have drifted downward after spiking last month.
“The proportion of omicron cases will rise VERY strongly in the coming days,” German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wrote on Twitter. He acknowledged there would be delays in local health offices reporting figures over the holidays but said: “We are still keeping an eye on developments.”
“Please avoid infections during the celebrations,” Lauterbach wrote. “Even the vaccinated should test themselves.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted that he knows it’s difficult to reduce contacts over Christmas “but if we stand together and get vaccinated, we will get through this crisis.”
According to the national disease control centre, Germany had 3,198 Covid-19 cases attributed to omicron as of Wednesday, a 25 per cent increase from the previous day. The disease control centre said Thursday that of those people, 48 were hospitalized and one died.
German authorities are introducing new contact restrictions, while most regions are shutting nightclubs and putting other measures in place. In most cases, the curbs are set to take effect just after Christmas, though a few will go into force starting Friday.
ALSO READ:
In his televised Christmas message, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it was up to individuals as well as authorities to act responsibly during the public health crisis.
“The state can’t put on a protective mask for us. It also can’t get vaccinated for us,” he said, according to a text released by his office ahead of the speech’s broadcast. “No, it comes down to us - to every one of us.”
Steinmeier thanked “the large, often silent majority in our country that has acted cautiously and responsibly for months.” He urged people to remember that “we are one country” after demonstrations against restrictions and a planned universal vaccine mandate flared up in Germany in recent weeks.
The deluge cut off a road, uprooted trees, washed away homes and sent vehicles flying
africa1 hour ago
The Gulf countries have been working on the unified tourist visa – similar to Schengen-style visa – for over one year
uae1 hour ago
Renowned French pastry chef Angelo Musa, who recently introduced two dining concepts in Dubai, shares tips on how to excel in pastry art
entertainment1 hour ago
Sheeraz was generous in giving realistic and practical insights on how fame can completely change the trajectory of one’s career and brand
kt network1 hour ago
The Dh100-billion plan introduced by the city's Crown Prince aims at increasing economic productivity
uae1 hour ago
It joins other Apple products that were already in the DMA net since September: iOS for iPhones, the App Store, and the Safari browser
tech1 hour ago
Al Mansoori played an important role in the development of the economic relations in non-oil sector between Japan and the UAE
kt network2 hours ago
Mental health continues to be under-resourced in affluent nations with advanced healthcare systems
kt network2 hours ago