After the carnival, the number of new corona infections that became known in Cologne rose sharply.
According to figures from the Robert Koch Institute, the corona incidence in the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia was 2333 on Monday, while the value was 1133 statewide and 1259 nationwide.
In Cologne, people between the ages of 20 and 29 contracted the virus particularly frequently in the past seven days – the incidence here is more than 5,000. The pronounced increase in this age group could indicate contagion “in connection with carnival”, it said from the city.
However, the connection cannot be proven with certainty due to the significantly reduced contact tracing.
In addition, there was a higher number of tests in Cologne around carnival.
Many people would have had a smear taken to meet the requirements for celebrating in restaurants.
From Weiberfastnacht to Shrove Monday, more than 100,000 people had themselves tested every day.
In Cologne, the 2-G-plus rule applied to the carnival in public spaces.
Those who have recovered or who have been vaccinated twice therefore need a current negative test or proof of a booster vaccination.
In bars, all guests had to present a current test.
Michael Hallek, director of Clinic I for internal medicine at the Cologne University Clinic, told the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” that the connection between carnival and new corona infections appeared absolutely clear.
"You don't have to be a scientist to understand that." The carnival effect that was to be expected does not worry him much about the further course of the pandemic.
However, anyone who celebrated the carnival should definitely remember to wait a few days to visit older and previously ill friends and relatives and get tested.