According to data from the country’s disease control center, more than 40,000 people have died from symptoms associated with the new coronavirus in Germany.
The daily count of the Robert Koch Institute showed 465 deaths within 24 hours, bringing the country’s total death toll to 40,343.
The country also recorded 16,946 new infections in the same period, bringing the total number of cases to 1,908,527.
Germany, which has been praised for dealing with the first wave of the pandemic, reported its biggest increase in Covid-19 deaths in 24 hours on Friday. With this, the country’s death toll increased by 1,188 within 24 hours.
Exclusion extends as cases increase: Earlier this week, the government extended the national exclusion of the country (originally until January 10) until the end of the month, while tightening restrictions on movement and contact to curb the spread of the virus.
Germany continues with vaccination: Health Minister Jens Spahn announced on Saturday that half a million people across the country have been vaccinated against Covid-19.