Photography then and now: Berlin before and during coronavirus

Photographs taken in Berlin before and since the coronavirus outbreak began reveal an increasingly familiar emptying of urban social spaces

by Photographs by Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters

Mon 30 Mar 2020 07.00 BST

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany has risen to 57,298 and 455 people have died of the disease here, statistics from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed on Monday.

Germany has been testing around 120,000 people a week, according to NPR, which is partly why this daily rise in confirmed cases is so high. Germany’s testing rate has also led to its mortality rate seeming lower than in other countries – with more tested, fewer people as a proportion of confirmed cases are dying.

The highest number of cases, 13,989, are in the southern state of Bavaria, where the disease first appeared in Germany.

Although Germany is not in a complete lockdown, its schools are closed, as are its restaurants, shops, and theatres. Gatherings of more than two people, except those who live together, are not allowed. The country is not planning to lifted any restrictions before 20 April.

THE GUARDIAN

Street art in Germany

By Keith Jenkins

share

 

A mural in Leipzig.

I’m a big fan of street art. Not the ugly, meaningless signature-like graffiti that can be found in many cities around the world, but rather, the striking or thought-provoking pieces which stop people in their tracks. I always make it a point to check out the local street art wherever I travel, and this has led me to incredible pieces in places such as Valparaiso (Chile), George Town (Malaysia), Reunion Island and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). One country, though, that continues to impress me with its amazing street art is Germany. Street art in Germany often incorporates sociopolitical messages in colourful works of art which can be found in many cities. An attraction in themselves, they’re always a joy to look at.

Best cities for street art in Germany

As an introduction to street art in Germany, check out this cool video produced by my friends at Story Travelers featuring street art in nine German cities.