COVID-19 incidence rate sinks below 100 for first time since March

For the first time since March 20, the nationwide seven-day coronavirus incidence rate in Germany has sunk below 100 - but the infection situation still varies significantly between federal states. 

11.336 new cases of coronavirus in Germany on Friday

The effect of coronavirus restrictions in Germany is finally becoming clear: in the 24 hours to Friday morning, health authorities reported 11.336 new cases of COVID-19 to the Robert Koch Institute, 7.149 fewer cases than one week ago. 

The positive downward trend in the infection rate therefore continues. The seven-day incidence rate (the number of new infections per 100.000 inhabitants within seven days) fell on Friday morning to 96,5, down from 103,6 on Thursday. 

This makes it the first time in almost eight weeks that the nationwide incidence rate has fallen below the critical 100-mark, above which the federal government’s “emergency brake” restrictions take effect.

Incidence rates in Thuringia and Saxony much higher

However, it is likely that the numbers may also be lower due to Ascension Day falling on Thursday, May 13. Fewer people usually get themselves tested on weekends and public holidays. 

Moreover, there is still a great deal of regional variation across the country, and not all federal states are yet below the critical value of 100. In Thuringia, the seven-day incidence rate is still as high as 148,5, and Saxony is close behind with a rate of 133,9. The lowest rate in the country is in Schleswig-Holstein (42,8). 

During the third coronavirus wave this spring, the nationwide incidence rate peaked at 169,3 on April 26. The highest seven-day incidence rate to date was recorded on December 22, 2020, at 197,6.