The Superior Council for Infectious Diseases (CSMI) is expected to announce a decision on the potential widening of the booster strategy on Monday. For instance, health care workers may be advised to freshen up their immunity levels with an additional jab.
In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute reports a seven-day incidence rate of 201 infections per 100,000 citizens on Monday, which is the highest one recorded since the beginning of the pandemic. In the span of 24 hours, 15,500 new infections were registered, a plus of 5,800 compared to the previous week.
Local teachers associations warn that the spread of the virus in German schools risks getting out of hand. Representatives therefore argue that the mask mandate should remain in effect, given that studies have shown that it increases safety levels.
Read also: Germany’s seven-day Covid incidence rate rises to record highIn France, government officials have already decided to reintroduce mask mandates in the schools of some departments. At the beginning of October, the decision was taken to fall back on the measure if the incidence rate exceeds 50 on five consecutive days.
In Austria, officials increasingly struggle to deal with rising infection numbers. The seven-day incidence rate has almost reached 600 by now.
The country has therefore introduced stricter measures as of today. This means that restaurants, hairdressers, or events are only accessible to people who are either vaccinated or recovered. Negative test results are no longer accepted.
However, tests can still be used in the workplace. For now, Austria has vaccinated about 65% of its population.
