Around 252,298 people in Germany have contracted Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the latest report by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for disease control.
A total of 9,329 people have died in connection with the virus.
The R number has increased slightly to 1.12 as of Tuesday morning. This means someone with coronavirus goes on to infect on average sightly more than one other person.
This number reflects the course of infection from about one and a half weeks earlier.
The RKI also gives a so-called seven-day R value. This refers to a longer period of time and is therefore less subject to daily fluctuations. According to RKI estimates, this number was 0.95 (previous day: 0.97). It shows the infection rate from eight to 16 days ago.
The aim is to keep the R number under 1.
Scientists at the RKI said the increase in the number of cases reported since mid-July "has now stabilised at a slightly higher level".
Most new cases are being reported in Bavaria, followed by Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia.
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Younger people getting coronavirus
Scientists say that in the last few weeks more young people are becoming infected. "The 7-day incidence is significantly higher in younger age groups than in older age groups," the RKI said in its report.
According to the RKI, outbreaks in Germany at the moment are often associated with large celebrations in families or among friends.
"In addition, Covid-19 cases are identified to a large extent among travel returnees, especially in the younger age groups," said the RKI.
The average age of people becoming infected by coronavirus is 45-years-old.
Experts say the current development in Germany is "positive" but must be "carefully monitored".
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The fact that there has been a decline in the proportion of deaths among reported cases is because of the higher number of younger people being diagnosed. Relatively few younger people fall seriously ill with Covid-19.
"A renewed increase in new infections must nevertheless be avoided," added the RKI. "In particular, it is important to prevent a renewed increase among the elderly, and particularly among vulnerable groups of the population, as was the case at the beginning of the pandemic.
"If more elderly people become infected again, a renewed increase in hospitalisations and deaths must be expected."
Scientists urged people in Germany to stick to rules such as keeping a 1.5 metre distance from strangers, wearing a face mask and ventilating indoor spaces.
"Crowds of people – especially indoors – should be avoided if possible and celebrations should be limited to the closest circle of family and friends," said the RKI.
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