Corona cases on the rise - at a low level

Infections - Corona cases on the rise - at a low level

Corona infections are on the rise again, but at a low level. A slight increase in Covid-19 cases is observable nationwide, according to the North Rhine-Westphalia Health Ministry, referring to data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). These values are "remarkably low" compared to numbers during the pandemic.

The ministry also emphasized that there are no indications of an increase in severe disease courses or deaths related to Covid-19 nationwide or in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Covid-19 remains reportable

There is also a slight increase in Covid-19 cases in Europe and the USA. The RKI attributes this to the currently circulating variants JN.1 and KP.3. In Germany, Covid-19 is still reportable according to the Infection Protection Act. "Testing is carried out like for other notifiable diseases based on the doctor's decision." There is no nationwide general testing requirement since early spring 2023. Therefore, many infection cases may not be considered in the Seven-Day Incidence, which is currently low.

Even though there is no longer a full recording of infection cases, the current reporting figures could still reliably reflect the seasonal trend, according to the ministry. And Covid-19 infection waves can still be identified.

Virus presence in sewage water detectable

The fact that Corona is still present, or has even slightly increased, is also shown by the traces in sewage water. Since early June 2024, a moderate increase in virus presence in sewage monitoring in North Rhine-Westphalia has been observed, reported the ministry. Regular monitoring with sample taking from several clarification plants in NRW provides insights into the infection situation and is therefore systematically carried out.

Experts like the RKI also point to a general increase in respiratory infections, such as colds. The current weather conditions with relatively cool temperatures and the European Football Championship - with full stadiums, public viewing, and private group watching - could be the causes of the ministry's statements.

How does it look with the vaccine?

A vaccination campaign is not currently planned due to the low number of cases and the widespread availability of Corona vaccines in the healthcare system. Whether an adaptation of the vaccines in the fall will occur is decided by the manufacturers.

Could there be an increase in infection numbers at the latest with the return of vacationers to NRW? The spread of the Coronavirus, like any other cause of respiratory infections, is very dynamic and depends on many factors, according to the Düsseldorf Health Ministry. "In the past years, an increase in case numbers has been observed especially in the fall and winter."

1. The rise in Corona infections is noticeable in Düsseldorf, aligning with the nationwide trend, as per the North Rhine-Westphalia Health Ministry's data from RKI.
2. Despite the slight increase in Covid-19 cases, there are no signs of severe disease courses or related deaths, according to the ministry.
3. The RKI attributes the increase in Covid-19 cases in Europe and the USA to the circulation of variants like JN.1 and KP.3.
4. In Germany, Covid-19 is still reportable under the Infection Protection Act, with testing at the doctor's discretion.
5. The slight increase in virus presence in sewage water in North Rhine-Westphalia, since early June 2024, is a testament to the ongoing presence of Corona, reported the ministry.
6. Experts suggest that the general increase in respiratory infections, like colds, could be due to the current weather conditions and the European Football Championship.
7. No vaccination campaign is currently planned due to the low number of cases and the wide availability of Corona vaccines in the healthcare system.
8. The ministry cautions that an increase in infection numbers could potentially occur with the return of vacationers to NRW, as observed in past years.
9. The spread of the Coronavirus, like any other respiratory infection, is dynamic and depends on various factors, according to the Düsseldorf Health Ministry.

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