The number of newly reported coronavirus cases in Germany has passed 5,000 for the first time since mid-April as officials weigh the possible rollout of new measures to contain the pandemic.
The country’s disease control agency, the Robert Koch Institute, said on Wednesday that a further 5,132 infections and 43 deaths from Covid-19 were recorded over the past day.
The development came as German Chancellor Angela Merkel was set to meet with the governors of the country's 16 states to discuss which measures to take in response to the growing case load.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ms Merkel said she was concerned by growing infection rates across Europe.
“I am watching with great concern the renewed increase in infection numbers in almost every part of Europe. And I must say the situation continues to be serious,” Ms Merkel said during a debate on the German presidency of the European Union at the bloc’s Committee of the Regions.
“We mustn’t throw away what we achieved via restrictions over the past months. These restrictions haven’t been easy for any of us,” she added.
“Many have lost their lives. And that makes it all the more important that we make sure that a further lockdown won’t be needed.”
German officials are particularly concerned that Covid-19 infections might increase among older people, who are more likely to suffer serious illnesses.
As of the latest available data, some 620 people nationwide are receiving intensive care treatment for Covid-19.
Meanwhile, since the start of the pandemic, Germany has recorded a total of 334,585 coronavirus infections, of which almost 282,000 are considered to have recovered.
There have been 9,677 deaths in the country from Covid-19.
