Germany’s Covid rate reaches new high as Europe confronts virus surge

A sign at the Christmas market advises guests to respect the so-called ‘2G’ (Geimpft oder Genesen - vaccinated or recovered) rule on its premises in the city of Duisburg

(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Germany’s Covid infection rate reached its level since the start of the pandemic on Monday as several European countries were ramping up measures to tackle a new virus surge.

The number of people per 100,000 to be infected over the last week rose to 303, figures from the Robert Koch Institute showed.

Another 23,607 daily cases were reported on Monday, bringing the country’s total to 5,045,076. A further 43 deaths were also recorded, taking the overall toll to 97,715.

It came as the three parties in talks to form a new German government were revealed to be planning an expansion of measures to tackle the pandemic.

Their plans are set to go parliament on Thursday. Greens co-leader Robert Habeck told broadcaster ARD: “We are expanding the toolbox compared to the proposals introduced in the first reading.”

The measures will include contact restrictions, an amendment seen by Reuters showed.

On Saturday, three German state health ministers urged the parties negotiating to form a new government to prolong the powers of states to implement stricter pandemic measures such as lockdowns or school closures.

One of Germany’s top virologists last week warned new lockdown measures may be needed to tackling surging Covid cases, which hit a record high in excess of 50,000 on Thursday.

Various German states have already acted to limit the spread.

So-called 2G rules - which effectively exclude people who choose not to be vaccinated from many areas of public life - came into effect in Berlin on Monday. Saxony has already brought in the measure.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Austria on Monday became the first country in Europe to impose a full lockdown for unvaccinated people.

About two million unvaccinated people are affected by the tough new curbs intended to slow the fast spread of the coronavirus in the country.

The move prohibits unvaccinated individuals older than age 12 from leaving their homes except for basic activities such as working, grocery shopping, going for a walk — or getting vaccinated.

Authorities are concerned that hospital staff will no longer be able to handle the growing influx of Covid-19 patients.

“It’s our job as the government of Austria to protect the people,” Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told reporters in Vienna on Sunday.

Another European country bringing back curbs on daily life in the face of growing infections is the Netherland, which has imposed a partial lockdown that applies to all.

Under the lockdown, bars, restaurants and supermarkets have to close at 8pm, professional sports matches will be played in empty stadiums and people are being urged to work from home as much as possible.

Stores selling non-essential items have to close at 6pm.

The move sparked clashes between protesters and police at the Hague on Friday night.