According to the health department, the increase in the number of infections is due to various reasons: Discontinuation of mandatory mask use in many public areas, crowded events, full city centers, increased mobility in summer temperatures, and an increasing prevalence of the omicron subtype BA.5 with higher infectivity compared to the previously dominant subtype BA.2. So far, however, it is assumed that the BA.5 subtype does not cause more severe illnesses than BA.2.

The health department strongly advises people to continue wearing masks when many people come together and to keep their distance if possible.

In the past seven days, a total of 1,108 laboratory-confirmed new infections (positive PCR tests) have been reported to the city health department. Currently, 1,812 people are infected (cases from date of report with a quarantine of ten days assumed in principle). The health department has continued to record all cases. Outbreaks with at least three related infections currently exist in one senior care facility and one clinic.

The 20- to 39-year-old age group is the most affected, with an incidence of 526.6, followed by 40- to 59-year-olds at 377.3. The other 20-year age groups: 0 to 19 years: 165.1; 60 to 79 years: 189.5; 80 years and older: 175.4.