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The proportion of the British mutation of the coronavirus in Germany is now more than 20 percent.
The Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) announced in Berlin.
According to new data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the proportion of this mutation in the positive samples examined rose from just under 6 percent to more than 22 percent within two weeks, said Spahn.
"We have to expect that this variant could also become the dominant one for us." The proportion of the variant has recently doubled every week.
At the beginning of February, the Robert Koch Institute presented the first data on mutated corona viruses.
At that time, the British had been found in 5.8 percent of the samples examined.
"One of the hardest phases"
"We are in one of the most difficult phases of this pandemic for Germany and Europe," said Spahn.
Testing is an important tool in the fight against the virus.
Significantly more rapid antigen tests are now available.
A rapid antigen test can be offered to anyone who wishes from March.
“At the same time, self-tests will be available for laypeople in the next one or two weeks.” That is “good news” because people could be warned before they infect others.
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“The PCR tests remain the gold standard,” stressed Spahn.
They gave the most reliable results.
Therefore, anyone who has symptoms should have a PCR test done.
Every positive rapid test should also be confirmed by a PCR test.
The rapid tests do not replace compliance with hygiene rules or the wearing of protective masks.