Data shows young people driving latest COVID-19 surge in Germany

BERLIN (AA) - The majority of new coronavirus infections in Germany are among teenagers and young adults, the country’s disease control agency said on Friday.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said the new cases have particularly increased among people in their 30s and younger while stayed low among adults aged 60 and over.

The highest seven-day incidence was recorded in those between 20 and 24 years of age (59 cases per 100,000) while it was the lowest among age groups 60 and older (less than 10 cases per 100,000 people).

The relaxation of anti-coronavirus measures and travel restrictions were believed to have contributed to an increase in new cases among young people. Vaccination rates have also been higher among older adults.

As of Friday, 82% of people aged 60 and older were fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry.

- Over 5,000 daily cases

The RKI reported 5,578 new coronavirus cases on Friday, the second day in a row in which new infections have surpassed the 5,000 mark.

The number of active cases increased to 42,900, up from 39,500 on Thursday, according to the official figures, but hospitalizations and deaths have stayed relatively low.

The RKI confirmed 19 coronavirus-related fatalities on Friday, down from 24 deaths reported on the same day last week.

Only 2% of people infected with COVID-19 have become seriously ill and were admitted to the intensive care units.

- Delta variant drives surge

The more contagious Delta variant has been the driving force behind the new surge in COVID-19 cases in Germany.

According to the RKI’s weekly report, the variant now makes up nearly 98% of all new coronavirus cases in the country, up from 76% at the start of last month.

The variant, which was first detected in India last October, made up less than 2% of new infections in Germany three months ago.