7.11°C Vancouver

Mar 9, 2020 8:24 PM -

Experts: Rapid testing helps explain few German virus deaths

Share On
experts-rapid-testing-helps-explain-few-german-virus-deaths
Firefighters disinfect a sidewalk to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, March 5, 2020. Iran has one of the highest death tolls in the world from the new coronavirus outside of China, the epicenter of the outbreak. The federal government is now warning against all travel to Iran over concerns about the novel coronavirus. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Vahid Salemi

Experts say Germany's low death rate from the new coronavirus is partly due to early testing that gave more time to contain the outbreak.

The country has confirmed more than 1,100 cases but, so far, just two deaths.

Other countries with a similar number of confirmed infections have dozens of deaths.

Christian Drosten, the director of the Institute for Virology at Berlin's Charite hospital, said Germany's dense network of independent labs received both the technical information needed to conduct tests and the approval to bill for them in January.

Case numbers in Germany were still in the single digits at the time.

Latest news

delta-police-investigate-extortion-related-shooting-no-injuries-reported
BCJan 07, 2026

Delta police investigate extortion-related shooting; no injuries reported

Police in Delta say they are investigating a shooting at a residential property that is believed to be connected to an ongoing extortion case, though no one was injured. Officers were called to a home near 84 Avenue and Brooke Road early Wednesday morning after reports that shots had been fired toward the residence. Police confirmed that several people were inside the home at the time of the incident, but none were hurt. Details about potential suspects or the circumstances surrounding the shooting have not been released. Delta Police say the investigation has been handed over to major crime i
alberta-launches-information-portal-for-proposed-oil-pipeline-to-northwest-b-c-coast
AlbertaJan 07, 2026

Alberta launches information portal for proposed oil pipeline to northwest B.C. coast

The Alberta government has unveiled a new website outlining its vision for a proposed oil pipeline that would carry oilsands crude to the northwest coast of British Columbia, as the province continues early groundwork on the long discussed project. The province says the website is intended to serve as a central source of information and updates, aimed at improving public transparency and countering misinformation. The site includes a section addressing common misconceptions, including claims that construction has already started, that Alberta is financing the full project, or that a final pipe
richmond-rcmp-issue-over-10-000-in-fines-during-crackdown-on-illegal-ride-hailing
BCJan 07, 2026

Richmond RCMP issue over $10,000 in fines during crackdown on illegal ride-hailing

Richmond RCMP say a joint enforcement operation earlier this month led to more than $10,000 in fines as officers targeted unlicensed ride-hailing drivers operating in the city. The January 2 operation was carried out by the detachment’s Road Safety Unit in partnership with Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement. Police say drivers stopped during the initiative received a combined total of $10,615 in fines and penalty points. Vehicles belonging to repeat offenders were also towed from the roadway as part of the enforcement effort. RCMP warn that illegal ride-hailing poses a serious risk to pub
bathinda-court-orders-kangana-ranaut-to-appear-in-defamation-case-rejects-exemption-plea
IndiaJan 07, 2026

Bathinda court orders Kangana Ranaut to appear in defamation case, rejects exemption plea

A special court in Punjab’s Bathinda district has rejected a request by BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut to be exempted from personal appearance in a defamation case filed against her, directing her to be present in court on January 15. The court warned that failure to appear on the scheduled date could result in the cancellation of her bail and the issuance of arrest warrants. The matter is being heard by a special court dealing with cases related to public representatives. The defamation case dates back to 2021 and was filed by Mahinder Kaur, a 70-year-old resident of Bahadurgarh Jandian vi
punjab-government-extends-winter-school-holidays-until-lohri
IndiaJan 07, 2026

Punjab government extends winter school holidays until Lohri

The Punjab government has once again extended winter holidays for schools across the state, citing intense cold weather and persistent fog conditions. Under the revised order, all government and private schools in Punjab will now remain closed until January 13 and reopen on January 14, following the Lohri festival. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken in response to the ongoing cold wave, which has led to a sharp drop in temperatures and reduced visibility in many districts. He said student safety remains the government’s top priority during the peak winter perio

Related News