Germany's COVID infections rise again
Coronavirus infection figures are heading back up, just as schools reopen in 10 of Germany's 16 states. The rise has been driven by new, more-infectious variants of the virus.
Many have called for teachers to be prioritized for vaccination
Coronavirus infection figures have started rising in Germany, prompting new fears ahead of a planned easing of restrictions.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country's disease control center, reported 7,676 new cases on Sunday, up 1,562 from one week ago. The key seven-day incidence rate increased to 60.2 across the country, up from 57.7 a day earlier.
Authorities have repeatedly pointed to a maximum incidence rate of 50 as a target for loosening restrictions. However, schools in 10 of Germany's 16 federal states were set to reopen on Monday.