Dusseldorf applies an emergency stop
In Düsseldorf, Germany, the 7-day incidence rate has surged to 158.6, marking the highest this year [1]. This increase has put pressure on the city's healthcare system, with only six free intensive care beds available as of April 15th [2].
The current situation has led local authorities to reconsider their response. Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller has extended the testing option until Sunday [7], and Burkhard Hintzsche, the City Director and Crisis Staff Leader, has acknowledged the exponential growth in coronavirus cases, which will further burden hospitals [8].
Hintzsche is currently consulting with hospitals to discuss further steps to manage the increasing burden on healthcare facilities [3]. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the emergency brake regulations have led to the closure of cultural institutions and the suspension of "Click & Meet" offers in retail [6].
As of early August 2025, there is no specific public information detailing current COVID-19 measures or responses in Düsseldorf [4]. However, in similar situations, German cities have implemented measures such as mask mandates in public transport and healthcare settings, encouragement of booster vaccinations, and sometimes restrictions on large events [5].
Given the lack of direct information on Düsseldorf's COVID-19 response, it is recommended to consult official Düsseldorf or North Rhine-Westphalia public health websites or government press releases for the latest COVID-19 policies and guidance.
Leading intensive care physicians have urged major cities to take immediate action, with 44 infected individuals in Düsseldorf currently in intensive care units [4] and 136 infected individuals being treated in hospitals [5]. Hintzsche hopes to increase the pace of vaccinations, aiming to administer 20,000 vaccinations this week, but this is dependent on vaccine delivery [6].
[1] Source: [Link to the source] [2] Source: [Link to the source] [3] Source: [Link to the source] [4] Source: [Link to the source] [5] Source: [Link to the source] [6] Source: [Link to the source] [7] Source: [Link to the source] [8] Source: [Link to the source]
The increasing burden on hospitals due to the surge in coronavirus cases has led Burkhard Hintzsche, the City Director and Crisis Staff Leader, to consult with hospitals about further steps to manage the situation. In order to combat medical-conditions related to the coronavirus, local authorities may implement measures like mask mandates in public transport and healthcare settings, encouragement of booster vaccinations, and restrictions on large events, as seen in similar situations.
