The number of daily reported new infections in Germany has exceeded the peak of the third infection wave in spring. On April 22, the figure had been 29,518; now, health offices in Germany reported 33,949 new corona infections to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) within one day. A week ago, the figure had been 28,037 infections. The nationwide seven-day incidence was 154.5, compared with 146.6 the previous day and 130.2 a week ago.

It initially remained open to what extent the holiday All Saints' Day on Monday in five states played a role in the development of the numbers. Across Germany, 165 deaths were recorded within 24 hours, according to the new data. A week ago, there were 126 deaths. The RKI counted 4,672,368 confirmed infections with Sars-CoV-2 since the start of the pandemic, but the actual total is likely much higher because many infections go undetected.

The number of Corona patients admitted to hospitals per 100,000 population within seven days - the most important parameter for a possible tightening of Corona restrictions - was reported by the RKI on Wednesday at 3.62 (Tuesday: 3.29). The indicator must take into account that hospital admissions are sometimes reported with a delay. A nationwide threshold value, from when the situation is to be seen as critical, is not provided for the hospitalization incidence, among other things because of large regional differences. The previous maximum value was around 15.5 around Christmas.

The RKI reported the number of people recovered at 4,328,400. The number of people who died from or with the involvement of a confirmed infection with Sars-CoV-2 rose to 96,192.SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach considers the corona controls of many restaurateurs and event organizers in Germany to be too "ridiculous". In many restaurants in Germany, insufficient checks are made to see whether guests have been vaccinated or can show a current rapid test, Lauterbach said Wednesday in the "Spiegel" newsmagazine. In order to counter the fourth wave, he considers further restrictions to be soon for indispensable.

The SPD politician demanded clear regulations from the federal states: "2G brings the most, that's the silver bullet." He recommended opening restaurants, clubs, and other venues only to those vaccinated or recovered.The health expert accused politicians of being too late in providing sufficient education about the need for booster vaccinations. "The entire adult population will need another booster vaccination," he said. It was a mistake to hastily wind down the vaccination centers, he said.

Today, Thursday and Friday, German Health Minister Jens Spahn and state health ministers plan to discuss how to proceed. Spahn named three points on Wednesday: The number of booster vaccinations must be pushed up, he said, with everyone eligible for one regardless of age. For employees and visitors in care facilities, he called for mandatory testing. He also called for stricter controls to ensure compliance with 2G or 3G rules.