COVID-19 Cases in Germany Hit Record High
50,196 new Covid cases have been recorded in Germany.
Germany has hit its highest number of infections since the onset of the pandemic, with over 50,000 now registered.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel called the increase "dramatic."
According to Merkel's spokesperson, "the pandemic is returning in a new spectacular fashion," urging authorities in the region to subdue the outbreak.
With Germany's low vaccination rate of 67%, hospitals are bearing a large part of the burden.
16 million of Germany's residents have not taken a single vaccine dose yet.
Saxony, Bavaria, and Berlin, which are some of the hardest-hit, will begin restrictions barring those who are unvaccinated from entering establishments such as restaurants, terraces, bars, sports halls, and hair salons.
From the onset of the pandemic, more than 4.9 million Germans have been infected with the virus.
Weeks ago, Germany's seven-day coronavirus incidence rate reached 100 infections per 100,000 people, for the first time since May.
The World Health Organization warned Tuesday of a possible shortfall of up to two billion syringes in the upcoming year, which could potentially hamper vaccine efforts globally if its production is not improved.