It sounds like science fiction: Researchers at the University of Augsburg are developing an app that can recognize a coronavirus infection whenever a potential carrier speaks into the phone. So far, the app has a hit rate of over 80 percent. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

In this episode of the satirical heute-show, host Oliver Welke pokes fun at how schools are handling education in the time of coronavirus. Many schools are not equipped for distance learning—and even when they are, teachers often don’t understand how to use the technology.

It’s time to celebrate Halloween at Hamburg’s Tierpark Hagenbeck — and to get into the holiday spirit, the elephants were treated to special seasonal goodies: pumpkins, corn on the cob, and apples! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

After a relatively relaxed summer, Germany once again finds itself in a critical phase of the corona pandemic. Here, in a recording released on October 17, 2020, Chancellor Angela Merkel makes an appeal to citizens to significantly reduce their social outings and to refrain from unnecessary travel and celebrations.

Rail travel is down 50% in Germany — but Deutsche Bahn is relying on scientific studies to prove that traveling by train does does not pose an increased risk to travelers. The strict hygiene and protective measures implemented so far appear to be working. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Faster Internet, more affordable Internet connections for pupils, and more devices for teachers: This is what the German ministers of education and Chancellor Angela Merkel have decided upon in order to facilitate distance learning during the corona crisis. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

School is back in session in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populated state. To protect against coronavirus infections, masks are mandatory in school buildings and classrooms. How are the students and teachers dealing with the new requirements? Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The German government has decided to lift travel restrictions for most European countries beginning June 15. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced that the measure applies to the EU countries, the other countries of the Schengen area, and the United Kingdom. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Reduction of VAT rates, aid for municipalities, subsidies for families, relief for electricity costs: The leaders of the coalition have agreed on a 130-billion-euro economic stimulus package to combat the negative effects of the corona crisis in Germany. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

How has the coronavirus outbreak changed life in Germany? Cettina gives a short overview of the various developments that have taken place over the past few months, and how she and her family are coping.

Spring has sprung in Germany, with warm temperatures in almost all regions – and a lack of rain that is actually problematic for the environment.

The German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia has the biggest COVID-19 outbreak in Germany, and is therefore introducing stricter measures to ensure social distancing. Among other penalties, restaurants that stay open will have to pay up to 4000 euros in fines, while individuals who meet in groups will have to pay 200 euros.

A private lab in Germany is working to create a vaccine for COVID-19 as quickly as possible. The US and German governments are already vying for access to the results.

Chancellor Angela Merkel discusses the essential actions the German government has taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, including shutting down social activity and tightening border controls. The people's responsibility, she says, is to remain calm and not engage in panic buying (such shopping trips are referred to as die Hamsterkäufe in German) when it comes to groceries.

Angela Merkel explains that social distancing will help to slow the spread of COVID-19, acknowledging how difficult it is to not be able to visit loved ones in uncertain times. She also discusses the government's responsibility to consider all possible approaches and keep the public informed.