'FLATTEN THE CURVE'
Germany warns of ‘alarming’ rise in infections just as kids in Berlin return to the classroom
GERMANY has warned of an "alarming" rise in coronavirus infections just as children in Berlin return to the classroom.
The announcement may worry parents as their kids see their friends today for the first time in months after schools were shut down by the government to help Germany fend off the first wave of Covid-19.
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While the country has been widely praised for its approach to the pandemic and low death rates compared to other major European nations, the words from a senior politician suggests the fight against the pandemic is far from over.
The Germans saw 955 new coronavirus cases. The last time Germany recorded a higher number was May 9.
However, as the rate of testing rises, so do the chances of positive results.
Economics Minister Peter Altmaier told local media of the "alarming" uptick in infections and said Germany had to "flatten the curve and turn this around."
He added on Twitter: "The number of 955 new infections is alarming. Especially since it is not large 'hot spots' but smaller clusters of infections.
"The main risks need to clearly be named so that more targeted prevention becomes possible."
Germany has so far seen 217,000 cases of coronavirus and 9,260 deaths.
Its decision to open schools in the capital today comes in swift contrast the UK where the issue remains a controversial topic.
Around half a million pupils were required to wear face masks as they arrived back in front of the whiteboard in Berlin schools.
The guidelines includes pupils and teachers to wearing masks in hallways but not during classes or in the playground.
Berlin’s minister for education Sandra Scheeres said "it’s not possible in a school" to always keep students 1.5 meters from one another, but that the distance should be kept if feasible.
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Students are to be kept in “cohorts” — groups that should not mix — so that if there is an outbreak, only those affected would need to be quarantined.
there has yet to be a recorded transmission of the virus going from pupil to teacher anywhere in the world.
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Scotland will be watching closely with schools set to go back tomorrow.
Like Berlin, physical distancing will not be enforced between pupils, although secondary schools will be expected to adjust the layout of classrooms and the flow in corridors "where possible" to encourage older children to keep apart.
Teachers will be expected to maintain a 2m (6ft 6in) distance where possible, but the wearing of face coverings will not be enforced, with this "left to the judgement of individuals".
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