BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany has reported the most coronavirus deaths since mid February. On Wednesday, hospitals in Germany warned that there could be 6,000 people hospitalized by Christmas. That is more than last year’s peak.

Germany’s national infectious disease agency Robert Koch Institute reported Wednesday 67,186 cases and 446 deaths. This is the highest number of daily death since February 18, when the total toll was 101,790.

Incidence rate per 100,000 for seven days fell again to 442.9 people from 452.2 people Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Germany’s Federal and Regional Governments agreed to implement measures to combat the fourth wave COVID-19. This included a stepped up vaccination campaign, and limiting contact for those who are not vaccinated.

Scientists have already criticized the leadership for being too tardive. They agreed on Thursday to make firm decisions about proposals like requiring customers to prove their recovery or vaccination in stores and restricting attendance at large events.

Gernot Marx (president of DIVI Association for Intensive Care Medicine) warned that the country may still have 6,000 patients in ICU by Christmas, regardless what political measures are taken.

This compares to a Jan. 3rd record of 5,745 patients with coronavirus in intensive care. Due to shortages of nurses, Germany has less beds now than it used to.

Marx stated that the situation was becoming more difficult and called for a temporary lockdown by ZDF TV. We must save the clinics.

According to the Baden-Württemberg public health office, four people from southern Germany tested positive for Omicron COVID-19 variant despite being fully vaccinated.

Three infected individuals returned to the United States from South Africa after a business trip on Nov. 26/27, while the third and fourth were family members of the first two. All four showed moderate symptoms.