BERLIN

Daily COVID-19 cases in Germany moved above 5,000 a day for the first time since May, as the more contagious Delta variant continues to spread across the country.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported 5,638 more coronavirus cases on Thursday, marking the highest daily figure since May 29.

The number of active cases increased to 39,500, up from 35,800 on Wednesday, according to the institute.

The city-state of Hamburg reported the highest incidence rate with 63.6 infections per 100,00 people, followed by Schleswig-Holstein (48.5 cases per 100,000) and Berlin (44.4 cases per 100,000) in seven days.

Despite a surge in new cases due to the Delta variant, hospitalizations and deaths have stayed relatively low, compared to the first and second waves of the pandemic.

The RKI confirmed 17 coronavirus-related fatalities on Thursday, down from 26 deaths reported on the same day last week.

Only 2% of people infected with COVID-19 have become seriously ill and were admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs), according to the institute.

Currently, 454 coronavirus patients are receiving treatment in the ICUs, with 222 of them on mechanical ventilators.

The Delta variant accounts for more than 97% of new cases in Germany, but the country’s progress in vaccinations is believed to have helped preventing many cases of severe illness and hospitalizations.

As of Thursday, 52.2 million people in Germany – 62.8% of the population – have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while 46.7 million people – 56.1% of the population – have been fully vaccinated.