Corona in NRW: Infections and deaths are increasing | Regional

 The se numbers are worrying:  The  coronavirus is on the rise again in NRW.

 The  important seven-day code number for new corona infections has increased more sharply in North Rhine-Westphalia.  The  Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recorded 61 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days on Sunday morning. On Saturday this value was 58.  The  incidence value had already risen slightly in stages in the days before.

 The  health authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia reported new infections by Sunday 1880 within one day (previous day 1722).  The  number of deaths rose by 26 to 12,621. Four people died in Cologne alone.

On Sunday, the number of cases reported by the RKI is usually lower, partly because not all municipalities report the number of cases on the weekend.

If the guideline value of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in one week remains stable, the NRW state government has announced further opening steps for schools. Further relaxation of the corona measures can take place after a resolution by the federal and state governments if the seven-day incidence has fallen stably below 35.

According to the RKI, only Münster (23.2) was below the incidence value of 35 on Sunday. Solingen (113) and Hagen (103.3) recorded the highest values.

Because of the high number of infections, stricter requirements apply in Hagen from Monday than in other parts of the country. For example, the crisis team has decided that a mask is mandatory in large parts of the city.  The  daycare centers in Hagen are also not returning to restricted regular operations. This means that parents should continue to look after their children at home if possible. As a possible next measure, the crisis team is considering a night curfew to avoid private meetings.

“ The  incidence value in Hagen is still at a high level, the evidence of infections with the British mutation is increasing, the infection rate in Hagen is becoming more diffuse,” said Mayor Erik O. Schulz, describing the situation in Hagen.

All over North Rhine-Westphalia, elementary and special school pupils as well as final years will return to schools on Monday. For the primary school students there is an alternating model of distance and face-to-face lessons with halved classes.