health

Corona infections in Germany: The virus does not stop working

by

11,000 people tested positive for Corona within one day. But we can still stop the virus, says RKI boss Lothar Wieler.

U-Bahn station Hermannplatz on Saturday in Berlin Photo: Imago

BERLIN taz | The head of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Lothar Wieler, gives hope that Germany can stop the second wave of corona infections in time. “At the moment we still have the chance to slow down the spread of the virus. We are not powerless, we can make a difference, ”he said on Thursday, October 22nd, at an online press conference.

However, he made his statement with clear reservations: Even more people would have to adhere to the “AHA plus L” rules. So keep your distance, follow hygiene rules such as hand washing, wear a mask and ventilate a lot. “Overall, the situation has become very serious,” said Wieler. It is to be expected that the virus will continue to spread uncontrollably. Here is an overview of the location:

Infections

11,287 people in Germany tested positive for the coronavrus in one day, 30 died within 24 hours. This is a sad high point with the detected infections, which are significantly higher than in April. However, the numbers from now on are not comparable to those from then: Today around 1.2 million people are tested for the virus every day, around three times as many as in April. The RKI figures clearly show that from mid-August to the end of September, mainly younger people up to 34 years of age were infected. But since then, more and more elderly people have become infected. According to the RKI, an average of around 1 percent of those infected die from the virus, younger people much less often than older people.

Contagions

On Tuesday, the RKI published an updated overview of where, according to a survey by the health authorities, people have been infected with the virus since the outbreak of the pandemic. “The virus spreads wherever people like to get together closely,” said Wieler. Sounds trivial, but it has implications: Although in 75 percent of the cases the health authorities were no longer able to trace the location of the infection, there is a clear statement: “The majority of people get infected in their private sphere, that’s what I tell you want to show this graphic, ”said Wieler. Hotel stays, local public transport or schools have so far played a subordinate role – even if more people could become infected in schools with increasing numbers of cases.

People often got infected at private celebrations or social events and would carry the virus into their families or shared apartments. “My request: take symptoms seriously and take the warnings of the Corona app seriously,” said Wieler. So it seems to be like this: In the supermarket, in the office or in the subway, most people are cautious as soon as the after-work drink waves with friends, but sometimes the stupid mask is over. Then there is an infection. That is why Wieler appeals: comply with the AHA-plus-L rules, also in private life.

activities

The RKI explicitly sees no reason to change strategy. It has been proven that health authorities tried to contain infections and infected people are isolated. At the same time, vulnerable groups must continue to be protected, therapies against Covid-19 improved and more capacities built up for treatments, according to Wieler.

He contradicted the virologist Hendrick Streeck from the University of Bonn, who warned on Wednesday on n-TV that it was no longer possible for the health authorities to trace contacts from infected people as before.

Against this background, it is all the more important to protect risk groups, argued Streeck. Wieler, on the other hand, rejects such a new prioritization of measures: Every effort that the health authorities undertake to uncover chains of infection would reduce the spread of the virus. More and more circles are now reporting overloaded health authorities. Which means nothing else than: There are more and more people with a corona infection who do not know anything about it, do not receive a warning from the health authorities and therefore infect others.

Outlook: There is still enough capacity in the health system in Germany. Currently 1,030 of a total of 21,473 intensive care patients across Germany suffer from a severe course of Covid-19. 8,184 intensive care beds are still available. However, the number of corona patients rose steeply. To say now that there is still capacity, there is still buffers, is therefore cynical, warned Wieler. It is about protecting as many people as possible. And if the number of infections continues to rise, the capacities in the health system will soon be exhausted.

.

our nose also has its microbiota

by

At a time when thousands of PCR tests are carried out every day in France, our noses are under great strain, with large swabs well placed. But did you know that by titillating our nasal cavities, the stick tickles at the same time thousands of microorganisms that live there? Because our nose – like our intestines or our skin – has its own microbiota: it hosts a very specific microbial population. This is what a Belgian team showed in a study published in May 2020 in Cell Reports.

Researchers at the University of Antwerp looked at lactobacilli, these “good” lactic acid bacteria, present in the intestinal and vaginal flora or in fermented products, which also colonize our upper respiratory tract. “For our study, we isolated them and we zoomed in on their mechanisms of action”, explains Ilke de Boeck, a bioscience engineer, one of the study’s main authors.

Beneficial lactobacilli

The team, led by Professor Sarah Lebeer, analyzed swabs from 100 healthy volunteers and 225 patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis. Result: lactobacilli are 1.5 times more numerous in healthy controls. This confirms their beneficial role: the lactic acid they produce inhibits the growth of certain pathogens.

One strain in particular caught the attention of researchers: L. casei AMBR2. A robust, tenacious one, which, thanks to the long appendages in the shape of spikes (fimbriae) which line its surface, manages to adhere effectively to the nasal mucosa. However, this strain proves to be very effective against certain pathogens involved in chronic rhinosinusitis, such as Staphylococcus aureus, and has significant anti-inflammatory effects.

These analyzes open a path: what if we could treat chronic inflammation by injecting this good bacteria into the noses of patients? Belgian researchers designed a nasal spray based on L. casei, which they administered to 20 healthy volunteers. “The strain was well tolerated and proved to be safe. I believe that the field of nasal probiotics will experience a boom in the years to come and that our strain, L. casei AMBR2, could make a strong contribution ”, hopes Ilke de Boeck.

.

Corona, flu & cold have similar symptoms

by

Covid-19 and flu have similar symptoms

Do I have Corona? Or did I already have it without really realizing it? These questions can only be answered clearly with a corona test or antibody test. Because recognizing Covid-19 based on the symptoms alone is often not that easy. Many typical symptoms are similar to those of a classic flu or cold. But what are the differences? And can I tell for myself whether I just have the flu or more? We have summarized the most important features in the video.

Coronavirus can also cause conjunctivitis

If patients only have conjunctivitis and no other symptoms, this indicates a corona infection in the rarest of cases. If there were also other corona symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, the suspicion of an infection would be reinforced – especially if the patient or their contact person was recently traveling or in contact with people already infected with the coronavirus.

American ophthalmologists have so far assumed that the virus can also get into the eyes through the air and cause an infection there. At the virtual annual meeting of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), however, ophthalmologists came to the conclusion that Sars-CoV-2 infection via the surface of the eye is rather unlikely. The reports the “Ärztezeitung”. But you should protect them anyway, because there is no complete all-clear.

Signs of flu vs. Coronavirus: what symptoms do I have and when?

An overview of possible coronavirus symptoms

According to the current state of knowledge, the following symptoms can be a sign of Covid-19:

How can I protect myself from the coronavirus?

You can get masks everywhere – in supermarkets as well as in online shops and pharmacies. When shopping, remember to keep your distance from others. And: Wash your hands thoroughly several times a day – with soap and water!

We have clear instructions for you that you can hang up so that they are clearly visible for you and your children.

In the video: Everything you need to know about the coronavirus

New TVNOW documentary: Finally vacation again! Traveling in the corona crisis

.

The latest developments at a glance: Corona crisis is coming to a head

by

For the first time there are over 11,000 new infections, Jens Spahn is also ill. Other states are now risk areas. Denmark closes the borders for Germans.

Bad prospects: The number of risk areas is increasing Photo: Michael Weber / imago

BERLIN dpa / afp / reuters | The number of new infections with the coronavirus within one day has risen sharply again in Germany and has exceeded 10,000 for the first time. According to the Robert Koch Institute, the health authorities reported 11,287 cases within 24 hours on Thursday morning. The previous high comes from Saturday and was 7,830 new infections. The RKI also announced on Thursday that 30 more people had died in connection with Covid 19 disease. The latest developments at a glance:

Classification of the numbers

According to experts, the newly reported infections are an indication of how strong the virus was in society about a week ago because of the time between infection, test, result and report. That is why it will take some time before political measures can be reflected in the registration figures. However, the current values ​​are only partially comparable with those from spring, because significantly more tests are now carried out – and thus more infections are discovered.

The number of reproductions, or R value for short, was 1.09 in Germany according to the RKI situation report on Wednesday (previous day: 1.25). This means that ten infected people infect almost eleven other people. The R-value depicts the infection rate about one and a half weeks beforehand. According to RKI estimates, the so-called seven-day R is 1.17 (previous day: 1.23). The value shows the incidence of infection from 8 to 16 days ago and is less subject to fluctuations than other indicators.

Robert Koch Institute warns

The President of the Robert Koch Institute, Lothar Wieler, expressed concern at a press conference on Thursday: “In the meantime, the situation has become very serious overall,” said Wieler in Berlin. But he adds: “At the moment we still have the chance to slow down the further spread of the virus.” The prerequisite for this is consistent compliance with the hygiene rules. Compared to the first wave of the pandemic in spring, the spread of the virus in private households is currently increasing significantly. The reason is that people are mainly infected during private encounters and bring the virus home with them.

Denmark closes borders

In view of the high number of new corona infections, Denmark is largely closing its border for holidaymakers from Germany. The Danish Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that from Saturday, people from Germany will only be allowed to enter the country if they have a valid reason. With a few exceptions, vacation trips are a thing of the past.

For example, Germans who own a holiday home in Denmark are excluded, as Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said on Thursday. Whoever is in the country does not have to leave hastily. For the time being, people should also be able to enter from the border region of Schleswig-Holstein – provided the number of infections there does not rise to over 30 per 100,000 inhabitants. A valid reason for entry can be given if a German works in Denmark or wants to visit his family or partner.

The Danish authorities advise against traveling abroad if there have been more than 30 new corona infections per 100,000 inhabitants within a week. The measure will be withdrawn if the value falls below 20 again. Anyone returning to Denmark from a country with a value over 30 will be asked to quarantine for 14 days. The Danish quarantine rules now apply to all European countries except Norway, Greece and a few regions in Sweden.

Lawsuit against the accommodation ban dismissed

The Federal Constitutional Court rejected the urgent application by a family from Tübingen against the ban on accommodation in Schleswig-Holstein as inadmissible. The urgent application was insufficiently justified, the court said on Thursday. The Karlsruhe judges therefore did not decide whether the ban on accommodation is fundamentally legal.

The family wanted to go to Sylt for the autumn break. Since the Tübingen district is considered a risk area due to the many infections, the family could only have stayed on the island if they presented a current negative corona test. That is why she submitted an urgent application against the Schleswig-Holstein regulations.

However, the applicants did not explain why they could not be tested for Corona, argued the Federal Constitutional Court. In fact, a ban on accommodation causes “serious interference with fundamental rights” that must be proportionate. In the case, however, the judges did not have to decide whether the prohibition had to be suspended because of this.

The Schleswig-Holstein Higher Administrative Court confirmed the ban on accommodation on October 15. In several other federal states, however, it was overturned as disproportionate by the higher administrative courts.

Lots of new travel warnings

The Robert Koch Institute on Thursday also significantly expanded the list of corona risk areas in Europe. Among other things, all of Poland, all of Switzerland, all of Ireland and all of Liechtenstein have been listed in this category since Thursday morning. In Austria, eight out of nine federal states are now affected – only Carinthia is not a risk area.

Numerous Italian regions have also been newly classified as risk areas. The entire United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is also listed as a risk area. The RKI added numerous other European regions to the list, for example in Sweden, Bulgaria, Hungary and Croatia. In contrast, the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain, have been removed from the list.

The Federal Foreign Office issues a travel warning for countries or regions that have been classified as risk areas. The decisive factor for classification as a risk area is that the number of new infections within seven days is more than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Quarantine requirements apply to people entering Germany from the areas listed.

Jens Spahn infected

It was already known on Wednesday evening that Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) was also infected with the corona virus. His ministry said he had cold symptoms on Wednesday afternoon, had a direct test and then immediately isolated at home after the positive result. The test results of the other cabinet members are now awaited. According to information from image-Zeitung (Thursday) should have everyone tested who had attended the cabinet meeting in the Chancellery with him on Wednesday.

The cabinet as a whole should not go into quarantine. A government spokesman said that the meeting would take place in compliance with hygiene and distance rules, which were aimed at avoiding the need to quarantine other or even all participants even if an infected person is present. Absent from the meeting were loud image Heiko Maas (Foreign Minister), Hubertus Heil (Labor Minister) and Julia Klöckner (Agriculture Minister).

Family Minister Franziska Giffey (SPD) had already tested negative with a rapid test on Wednesday afternoon, as a spokeswoman for the German press agency said. Another quick test should follow. Giffey sat on the podium with Spahn for a long time at a press conference on Friday.

.

Why the end of daylight saving time is overdue

by
Time change

When it comes to time change, nothing has changed in Brussels for a long time.

(Photo: AP)

Berlin Sleep an hour longer: In Germany, summer time ends at the weekend. Exactly at 3:00 a.m. on October 25th, the clocks will be put back one hour to 2:00 a.m. Then normal time applies again until the end of March, often also called winter time. On March 28, 2021, the hands will be turned back one hour.

The time change should actually be abolished next year, at least that is what the European Parliament decided in 2019. However, nothing has happened in Brussels for a long time. The reasons: There is no impact assessment by the EU Commission, what an abolition of the time change would mean for the economy and the internal market. For the transport and logistics sector in particular, turning away from the current principle would be a challenge.

And: Once again, the member states cannot come to an agreement. Would you prefer to use summer or winter time? And which country is in which time zone? The responses from the capitals are currently a patchwork of times; the preference of one country collides with that of its neighbor.

Korbinian von Blanckenburg, economics professor at the Technical University of Ostwestfalen-Lippe, thinks this is fatal. In his opinion, moving the clocks forwards and backwards does not bring any economic advantages. He also considers it counterproductive if, as a result of the abolition of the time changeover, there should no longer be a uniform time within a large economic zone such as the EU. “Time zone islands are economically a horror,” said von Blanckenburg. Accordingly, it should not be left to the Member States to decide what time they want to stay.

There are three time zones in the EU, the largest of which, Central European Time, extends from Spain to Poland. In the case of permanent summer time, it would not be light until the morning in the west – but also in the northwest – of the continent. In Vigo on the Spanish Atlantic coast, the sun would not rise until 10:01 am on December 21st, and at Brest in Brittany, France 10.07 a.m. and in Emden in northern Germany at 9.45 a.m.

With a permanent winter time, on the other hand, it would not only be dark in the beer garden or in the beach bar an hour earlier than usual. The sun would rise extremely early in the east of the EU: In Bialystok in Poland it would be on June 21 at 3:01 a.m., in Warsaw at 3:15 a.m. and in Berlin at 3:44 a.m.

Time change affects health

For the economist von Blanckenburg, now would be the ideal time to move forward with the decision to change the time. “Thanks to Corona, many companies and other institutions have developed a new level of flexibility,” he said. Home office and online conferences are now part of everyday life. “We are no longer pedantically at eight o’clock in the office, and somehow it still works surprisingly well.”

As an example, the economist cited business trips that are being replaced by online meetings. Schools and universities have also discovered the digital possibilities for themselves. At universities, digital lectures, working groups and meetings are indispensable.

The deputy head of the FDP parliamentary group, Michael Theurer, called on the federal government to use the EU Council Presidency for an initiative to abolish the time change. “It now depends on the federal government to organize a majority for a nationwide abolition of the time change,” Theurer told the Handelsblatt.

The FDP politician pointed out the disadvantages of the time change. They create health problems, especially in children and the elderly. “At the same time, the energy savings targets associated with summer and winter time were not achieved,” said Theurer. Therefore everything speaks in favor of abolishing the time change. “A uniform abolition of the time change in Europe without a patchwork must be achieved.”

Some years ago von Blanckenburg refuted that summer time supposedly helps to save energy. Based on an analysis of the data from two network operators in Kassel and Kempten, he calculated that the current time change system only leads to savings of 0.78 percent in electricity consumption in private households.

Energy savings not serious

From the point of view of the Federal Environment Agency, the current time change regulation does not save a significant amount of energy. Although the light is actually switched on less often in the evening due to the time change in summer, in spring and autumn there is more heating in the morning hours, argues the authority. “That cancel each other out.”

The Office for Technology Assessment at the German Bundestag also came to the conclusion that “at best only very minor energy savings can be achieved”. An evaluation of studies from different countries in 2016 showed possible changes in the areas of electricity consumption and space heating of no more than one percent.

It is proven, however, that the previous back and forth when changing the time has a negative impact on health because our internal clock gets mixed up every time. The health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit writes on the basis of a representative survey that 29 percent of people in Germany suffered from physical or psychological problems after changing the time. They felt limp and tired or had difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. 76 percent of those surveyed found that the changeover was superfluous and should be abolished.

With agency material

More: Why the abolition of the time change has failed so far

.

Corona: 14,714 new infections in Germany, number of deaths rises to over 10,000

by

IWithin a day, the health authorities in Germany have, according to the Robert Koch Institute, from Saturday morning 14,714 new corona infections reported, more than ever since the beginning of the corona pandemic in Germany.

However, since there were occasional gaps in the transmission of infection numbers on Thursday, the latest number of new infections could contain corresponding late reports. Also on Saturday morning there were occasional inconsistencies in the figures given.

The number of deaths related to Covid-19 disease passed the 10,000 mark on Saturday.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

Due to a failure of a web server, according to the RKI, transmissions from the health authorities to the responsible state authorities and from them to the RKI were disrupted for almost three hours on Thursday afternoon. But then the server worked again. The missing data should have been automatically transmitted on Friday during the day and thus appear in the publication on Saturday morning. The size of the data gap was initially unknown. Corona hotspots in North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, were affected by the breakdown.

In addition, the current values ​​are only partially comparable with those from spring, because significantly more tests are now being carried out – and thus more infections are being discovered.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

A total of have, according to the RKI 418,005 people in Germany were infected with the virus (Status: October 24th, midnight). 10,003 people have therefore been in connection with a corona infection since the beginning of the pandemic died. That is 49 more than the day before.

The reproduction number, in short R value, was included in Germany according to the RKI situation report on Friday 1,23 (Previous day: 1.11). This means that ten infected people infect about twelve other people. The R-value depicts the infection rate approximately one and a half weeks beforehand.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

In addition, the RKI gives a so-called in its management report Seven-day r on. The value relates to a longer period and is therefore less subject to daily fluctuations. According to RKI estimates, this value is now at 1,30 (Previous day: 1.23). It shows the infection process from eight to 16 days ago.

Crown in Europe

The number of new infections in Italy rises to a new record high on Saturday. The government reports within 24 hours 19.644 new cases, after 19,143 on Friday and 16,079 on Thursday.

Just like in spring, Lombardy around the financial metropolis of Milan has been hit hardest this time, even if the infections are currently much more spread across the country.

In France the total number of corona infections has risen to more than one million. The French Ministry of Health reports a good 1,041 million cases, 42,032 more than 24 hours earlier. France is the seventh country to exceed the one million confirmed infections mark – after the USA (now 8.4 million), India (7.8 million), Brazil (5.3 million), Russia (1.5 Million) as well as Argentina and Spain with just over a million each.

Czech Republic reports a new high of 15,252 new infections and for the first time more than 15,000 cases within one day. This increases the number of detected infections to 238,323, as the authorities say. The number of deaths rose by 126 to 1971. In the country with just under eleven million inhabitants, the new virus is currently spreading fastest in Europe. The government had again imposed an extensive lockdown on Wednesday because the health system had reached its capacity limits.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

In Poland there was another record for new infections on Friday. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 13,632 people tested positive in one day. Another 153 people died from or with the virus.

Also the Slovakia reported a record of new infections. According to the TASR news agency, Prime Minister Igor Matovic in parliament said 2581 positive tests were registered within one day. The government ordered a partial lockdown on Thursday. Most schools have been closed, except for shopping or nature walks, people are supposed to stay at home.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

Worldwide have been shown to have more than 42.2 million People infected with the coronavirus. The number of deaths related to the virus rises to over 1.14 million. Since the first known cases in China in December, the virus has spread to more than 210 countries and territories. Most infections have it USA, India, Brazil, Russia and France.

New record number of new coronavirus infections in the US

One and a half weeks before the US presidential election, the country has set a new record for new infections with the coronavirus. As the Johns Hopkins University announced on Friday evening (local time), were 79,963 new cases of infection within 24 hours detected. Previously, in July, the US had already approached the mark of 80,000 recorded cases of infection per day.

The new virus is currently spreading rapidly, especially in the north and midwest of the country. The total number of recorded cases of infection in the United States has now risen to almost 8.5 million, according to the university.

The The death toll in the country stands at more than 223,000. Since the beginning of autumn, the number of daily deaths in the US has remained relatively constant between 700 and 800. In absolute numbers, the US is the country most affected by the pandemic in the world.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

The Ministry of Health in Brazil reports 30,026 new infections. This increases the total number of infections to more than 5.3 million. The number of deaths rose by 571 to 156,471 within 24 hours.

In Russia the number of new infections has reached a new high. According to the authorities, a further 17,340 people were confirmed to have been infected with the corona virus within the past 24 hours. In Moscow alone there were 5478. In total, more than 1.48 million people in Russia were infected with it. Another 283 people died within 24 hours, which brings the official death toll to 25,525.

You can follow all current and worldwide developments regarding the coronavirus in our live ticker.

Do you have any questions about the coronavirus? Here you will find the most important facts and information.

.

Corona: 14,714 new infections in Germany, number of deaths rises to over 10,000

by

IWithin a day, the health authorities in Germany have, according to the Robert Koch Institute, from Saturday morning 14,714 new corona infections reported, more than ever since the beginning of the corona pandemic in Germany.

However, since there were occasional gaps in the transmission of infection numbers on Thursday, the latest number of new infections could contain corresponding late reports. Also on Saturday morning there were occasional inconsistencies in the figures given.

The number of deaths related to Covid-19 disease passed the 10,000 mark on Saturday.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

Due to a failure of a web server, according to the RKI, transmissions from the health authorities to the responsible state authorities and from them to the RKI were disrupted for almost three hours on Thursday afternoon. But then the server worked again. The missing data should have been automatically transmitted on Friday during the day and thus appear in the publication on Saturday morning. The size of the data gap was initially unknown. Corona hotspots in North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, were affected by the breakdown.

In addition, the current values ​​are only partially comparable with those from spring, because significantly more tests are now being carried out – and thus more infections are being discovered.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

A total of have, according to the RKI 418,005 people in Germany were infected with the virus (Status: October 24th, midnight). 10,003 people have therefore been in connection with a corona infection since the beginning of the pandemic died. That is 49 more than the day before.

The reproduction number, in short R value, was included in Germany according to the RKI situation report on Friday 1,23 (Previous day: 1.11). This means that ten infected people infect about twelve other people. The R-value depicts the infection rate approximately one and a half weeks beforehand.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

In addition, the RKI gives a so-called in its management report Seven-day r on. The value relates to a longer period of time and is therefore less subject to daily fluctuations. According to RKI estimates, this value is now at 1,30 (Previous day: 1.23). It shows the infection process from eight to 16 days ago.

Crown in Europe

The number of new infections in Italy rises to a new record high on Saturday. The government reports within 24 hours 19.644 new cases, after 19,143 on Friday and 16,079 on Thursday.

Just like in spring, Lombardy around the financial metropolis of Milan has been hit hardest this time, even if the infections are currently much more spread across the country.

In France the total number of corona infections has risen to more than one million. The French Ministry of Health reports a good 1.086 million cases, 45,422 more than 24 hours earlier – a new record. France is the seventh country to exceed the one million confirmed infections mark – after the USA (now 8.4 million), India (7.8 million), Brazil (5.3 million), Russia (1.5 Million) as well as Argentina and Spain with just over a million each.

Czech Republic reports a new high of 15,252 new infections and for the first time more than 15,000 cases within one day. This increases the number of detected infections to 238,323, as the authorities say. The number of deaths rose by 126 to 1971. In the country with just under eleven million inhabitants, the new virus is currently spreading fastest in Europe. The government had again imposed an extensive lockdown on Wednesday because the health system had reached its capacity limits.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

In Poland there was another record for new infections on Friday. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 13,632 people tested positive in one day. Another 153 people died from or with the virus.

Also the Slovakia reported a record of new infections. According to the TASR news agency, Prime Minister Igor Matovic in parliament said 2581 positive tests were registered within one day. The government ordered a partial lockdown on Thursday. Most schools have been closed, except for shopping or nature walks, people are supposed to stay at home.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

Worldwide have been shown to have more than 42.2 million People infected with the coronavirus. The number of deaths related to the virus rises to over 1.14 million. Since the first known cases in China in December, the virus has spread to more than 210 countries and territories. Most infections have it USA, India, Brazil, Russia and France.

New record number of new coronavirus infections in the US

One and a half weeks before the US presidential election, the country has set a new record for new infections with the coronavirus. As the Johns Hopkins University announced on Friday evening (local time), were 79,963 new cases of infection within 24 hours detected. Previously, in July, the US had already approached the mark of 80,000 recorded cases of infection per day.

The new virus is currently spreading rapidly, especially in the north and midwest of the country. The total number of recorded cases of infection in the United States has now risen to almost 8.5 million, according to the university.

The The death toll in the country stands at more than 223,000. Since the beginning of autumn, the number of daily deaths in the US has remained relatively constant between 700 and 800. In absolute numbers, the US is the country most affected by the pandemic in the world.

This is where you will find third-party content

In order to interact with or display content from third-party providers, we need your consent.

The Ministry of Health in Brazil reports 30,026 new infections. This increases the total number of infections to more than 5.3 million. The number of deaths rose by 571 to 156,471 within 24 hours.

Colombia became the eighth country in the world to cross the threshold of one million coronavirus infections. As the Ministry of Health in Bogotá announced on Saturday, they ran out within a day 8800 New infections recorded. The total number of infected people increased 1.007.711. Colombia has the third highest number of coronavirus infections in South America after Brazil and Argentina. Spain was the first EU country to register more than one million infections with the novel corona virus on Wednesday. France crossed the threshold on Friday.

In Russia the number of new infections has reached a new high. According to the authorities, a further 17,340 people were confirmed to have been infected with the corona virus within the past 24 hours. In Moscow alone there were 5478. In total, more than 1.48 million people in Russia were infected with it. Another 283 people died within 24 hours, which brings the official death toll to 25,525.

You can follow all current and worldwide developments regarding the coronavirus in our live ticker.

Do you have any questions about the coronavirus? Here you will find the most important facts and information.

.

There are two ways to die from Covid-19

by

A Swiss pathologist examined the lungs of deceased corona patients and was able to draw conclusions about various disease courses. The findings could improve the treatment of Covid-19.

In view of the rapidly increasing number of infections, it becomes clear: Any additional knowledge about the coronavirus is important. Researchers from Switzerland have now found out during autopsies that Covid 19 patients die for two different reasons. The results were recently published in the English-language journal “Nature Communications”.

Current study: two groups of corona deaths

Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, Dr. Kirsten Mertz, Senior Physician in Pathology at the Baselland Cantonal Hospital, and her team of people who work at the Covid-19– disease died. The researchers identified two groups among them: those patients who die early from a high viral load and those who later succumb to the damage caused by the corona infection.

In an interview with the Swiss news portal “Blick”, Mertz explains: “The first group dies at an early stage of an enormously high viral load in the lungs. Unfortunately, the immune system does not manage to suppress the virus.” The lung tissue of these deceased patients is said to have been largely intact.

“In the second group, however, it looks completely different: the body of these patients can initially defeat the virus – but then massive damage to the lungs and other organs can be seen,” says the pathologist. Such patients would only die after several days or weeks.

The body reacts too violently to the intruder. The virus may then subside, but the inflammation destroys the tissue and organs. “It’s like when the dentist pulls all your teeth because you have tooth decay. Then the tooth decay is gone, but so are your teeth,” the doctor compares.

Pathologist calls coronavirus a “killer”

When asked what a severe disease course depends on, Mertz replied in the “Blick” interview: “Safe from the dose”. The higher the viral load, the stronger the body’s immune response and the more cells would be destroyed. Whether a corona infected person has to fear a severe course is not just due to factors such as previous illnesses and age. The amount of viral load that you carry can also be decisive. That is why masks and distance rules are so useful.

Lungs: The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can affect all organs. (Icon image) (Source: sompong_tom / Getty Images)

Mertz also says: “That Coronavirus was and is a killer. This will continue to be the case in the future. “Although there have been” slight mutations “since spring, overall the virus itself has not changed much, according to the pathologist. And the risk groups are still the same – especially older people and those with previous illnesses, but no one has the guarantee of being spared a serious illness, says Mertz.

Lessons for the treatment of Covid-19

The pathological examinations of the study could make important contributions to the research and therapy of Covid-19. By dividing corona deaths into two groups, it would be easier to estimate which drug treatment could be used at what point in time.

Patients in the early course would be more likely to be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and antiviral drugs. “Remdesivir, for example, the antiviral drug that Donald Trump received, certainly has a better effect if it is administered early enough,” Mertz emphasizes.

The use of Remdesivir is permitted in Europe – the active ingredient, however, is highly controversial. In some patients it works, in others no improvement was found. Only recently it became public that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies remdesivir as ineffective against Covid-19.

Important NOTE: Under no circumstances does the information replace professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized doctors. The contents of t-online cannot and must not be used to independently make diagnoses or start treatments.

.

US approves first treatment for COVID-19

by

It is the first and only treatment approved by the US regulatory agency FDA for COVID-19 in the United States

The United States approved the remdesivir by Gilead Sciences as the first treatment against COVID-19. It did so through the FDA drug regulatory agency.

“Veklury (brand name of remdesivir) is the first and only treatment approved by the FDA for COVID-19 in the United States “, indicated the biotechnology website, which ensures that it reduces recovery time by 5 days in hospitalized patients.

Remdesivir had already been licensed as emergency treatment against COVID-19 disease.

And, in the third phase of their clinical trials double-blind, it was considered one of the most promising treatments for combating the effects of pandemic disease.

“The speed and rigor with which we have reached this milestone reflects the shared commitment of Gilead, government agencies, and clinical trial researchers to advance new treatment options for patients in the fight against HIV. COVID-19“, has publicly recognized Daniel O’Day, CEO of the company through Twitter.

US Approves Gilead Sciences’ Remdesivir As First COVID-19 Treatment

How current is remdesivir

Remdesivir, as an antiviral, works by stopping the replication of SARS-CoV-2 —Scientific name of the new coronavirus. It has also been tested against multiple emerging viral pathogens such as Ebola, SARS 2002, and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome).

As reflected in the company’s statement, remdesivir is indicated to treat both adult patients as pediatric – from 12 years and with, at least, 40 kilograms.

It reduces the recovery of hospitalized patients by 5 days and has only, as the most frequent adverse reaction, sickness —One of the symptoms of COVID-19.

“The availability of a rigorously proven treatment that can significantly accelerate recovery and offers other benefits such as lower rates of progression to ventilation provides hospitalized patients and their families a relevant hope and offers health care providers a fundamental tool to serve patients in need “, recognized the expert Barry Zingman, professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, New York , USA.

However, despite its recognition, the World Health Organization believes that remdesivir – and other drugs being tested against SARS-CoV-2 – is not effective in reducing mortality from the new coronavirus.

remdesivir is indicated to treat both adult and pediatric patients

Remdesivir is indicated to treat both adult and pediatric patients.

“These regimens of remdesivir, hidroxicloroquina, lopinavir and interferon seemed to have little effect on hospital mortality, “says the WHO Solidarity report consulted by the Financial Times.

In fact, plant doctors COVID-19 at the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid, have acknowledged that they had stopped using it in hospitalized patients because it “barely worked” —on the contrary in mild cases.

Likewise, a study published by Journal of the American Medical Association showed that remdesivir did not significantly improve the results of patients who took it for 10 days.

But, according to Gilead, the emerging data appears inconsistent with stronger evidence from multiple studies randomized controlled trials validating the clinical benefit of remdesivir. Plus, now, its approval as a treatment.

.

There are two ways to die from Covid-19

by

A Swiss pathologist examined the lungs of deceased corona patients and was able to draw conclusions about various disease courses. The findings could improve the treatment of Covid-19.

In view of the rapidly increasing number of infections, it becomes clear: Any additional knowledge about the coronavirus is important. Researchers from Switzerland have now found out in autopsies that Covid 19 patients die for two different reasons. The results were recently published in the English-language journal “Nature Communications”.

Current study: two groups of corona deaths

Since the beginning of the corona pandemic, Dr. Kirsten Mertz, Senior Physician in Pathology at the Baselland Cantonal Hospital, and her team of people who work at the Covid-19– disease died. The researchers identified two groups among them: those patients who die early from a high viral load, and those who later succumb to the damage caused by the corona infection.

In an interview with the Swiss news portal “Blick”, Mertz explains: “The first group dies at an early stage of an enormously high viral load in the lungs. Unfortunately, the immune system does not manage to suppress the virus.” The lung tissue of these deceased patients is said to have been largely intact.

“In the second group, however, it looks very different: the body of these patients can initially defeat the virus – but then massive damage to the lungs and other organs can be seen,” says the pathologist. Such patients would only die after several days or weeks.

The body reacts too violently to the intruder. The virus may then subside, but the inflammation destroys the tissue and organs. “It’s like when the dentist pulls all your teeth because you have tooth decay. Then the tooth decay is gone, but so are your teeth,” the doctor compares.

Pathologist calls coronavirus a “killer”

When asked what a serious illness depends on, Mertz replied in the “Blick” interview: “Safe from the dose”. The higher the viral load, the stronger the body’s immune response and the more cells would be destroyed. Whether a corona infected person has to fear a severe course is not only due to factors such as previous illnesses and age. The amount of viral load that you carry can also be decisive. That is why masks and distance rules are so useful.

Lungs: The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can affect all organs. (Icon image) (Source: sompong_tom / Getty Images)

Mertz also says: “That Coronavirus was and is a killer. This will also be the case in the future. “There have been” slight mutations “since spring, but overall the virus itself has not changed much, according to the pathologist. And the risk groups are still the same – especially older people and those with previous illnesses, but no one has the guarantee of being spared a serious illness, says Mertz.

Lessons for the treatment of Covid-19

The pathological examinations of the study could make important contributions to the research and therapy of Covid-19. By dividing corona deaths into two groups, it would be easier to estimate which drug treatment could be used at what point in time.

Patients in the early course would be more likely to be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and antiviral drugs. “Remdesivir, for example, the antiviral drug that Donald Trump received, certainly has a better effect if it is administered early enough,” emphasizes Mertz.

The use of Remdesivir is permitted in Europe – the active ingredient, however, is highly controversial. In some patients it works, in others no improvement was found. Only recently it became public that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies remdesivir as ineffective against Covid-19.

Important NOTE: The information is in no way a substitute for professional advice or treatment by trained and recognized doctors. The content of t-online cannot and must not be used to independently make diagnoses or start treatments.

.