The first phase of the project "Creating a more favorable environment for civil society - EMBRACE", within which 23 civil society organizations have implemented projects of great importance for 13 local communities in B&amp;H, ended today in Sarajevo.

The EMBRACE project was funded by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway in the amount of 1,000,000 KM, and was implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, all projects have been successfully implemented. It has contributed to civil society in areas such as social inclusion, support in providing services to vulnerable groups in society, youth work, activism and volunteerism, gender equality, and environmental and human rights protection. 
The project has taken significant steps to improve the regulatory framework for the financing of civil society organizations in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and work will continue through the second phase.
All organizations that participated in the project were awarded equipment in the total value of approximately 50,000 KM, which should help the smooth continuation of work with users of their services in local communities.

The EMBRACE project was funded in the amount of 1,000,000 KM

All organizations that participated in the project were awarded equipment in the total value of approximately 50,000 KM

UNDP and Norwegian Embassy donate equipment to 23 civil society organizations

Member of the Crisis Staff of the FB&amp;H Ministry of Health Sanjin Musa stated today at the session of the House of Peoples of the FB&amp;H Parliament that 12 percent of the population over the age of 18 got the first dose of vaccine in the Federation of B&amp;H.

-Seven percent of the population has been completely vaccinated. Significant arrival of new vaccines is expected during August. We are talking about 1.8 million doses- Musa pointed out.
He says we have been at a low level of coronavirus transmission since mid-June, which means that the incidence at the seven-day level was below ten cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
-As of July 26, we are at the level of low transmission of infection within the community, with 30 percent of new cases recorded last week. This speaks to the need for intensive monitoring and the need to speed up the immunization process when vaccines are available- Musa said.
He stated that a Delta strain has been detected in the Federation of B&amp;H, which is characterized by higher contagion, and stressed the importance of consistent adherence to preventive measures and acceleration of the immunization process.
After the vaccination of priority groups and persons employed in public services, the public health institutes of cantons are obliged to start inviting the rest of the population to vaccination, according to the available quantities of vaccines against COVID-19.
The competent authorities in the cantons, as well as the health institutions in the cantons, are obliged to provide assistance for communication with persons with hearing and vision difficulties, at least one day a week at the place of vaccination.

About 1.8 million doses of vaccines should arrive in August

Musa: As of July 26, we are at the level of low transmission of infection within the community, with 30 percent of new cases recorded last week

Musa: Seven percent of population in FB&H fully vaccinated

In the past 24 hours, 1,345 samples were registered with the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H, of which 34 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. 

New cases have been registered in Central Bosnia, Herzegovina-Neretva, West Herzegovina, Zenica-Doboj, Tuzla and Sarajevo Canton.
A total of 748,294 samples have been tested so far, and SARS-CoV-2 has been confirmed in 134,463 individuals.
In the past 24 hours, no deaths were reported in the Federation of B&amp;H, the FBiH Public Health Institute said.
In Republic of Srpska, 242 laboratory samples were tested in the last 24 hours, and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed in ten people.
In the last 24 hours, no deaths have been reported to the Republic of Srpska Institute of Public Health.
So far, 64,442 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in that entity, and a total of 3,808 people have been confirmed to have been tested for the virus.
Of the 143 people tested in the Brčko District, none tested positive for coronavirus. No deaths were reported. Three cases are currently active.

Of the 143 people tested in the Brčko District, none tested positive for coronavirus

New cases have been registered in Central Bosnia, Herzegovina-Neretva, West Herzegovina, Zenica-Doboj, Tuzla and Sarajevo Canton

B&H registers 44 new cases of COVID-19, with no deaths

Cambodia imposed fresh coronavirus restrictions Thursday for eight provinces bordering Thailand, clamping down on the movement of millions of residents to curb the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

In recent weeks, scores of Cambodian migrant workers have returned home from Thailand, which is battling a Delta-fuelled Covid-19 wave.
Cambodian health authorities raised the alarm this week, citing 39 new Delta cases -- 21 in migrant workers returning from Thailand and the rest in contacts.
The clampdown in northwest Cambodia curbs travel to and from Thailand, and between the eight impacted provinces, according to an announcement by Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday.
It will remain in place until August 12, and affects a quarter of Cambodia's population of 16 million.
While the import of goods will continue from Thailand, Cambodian migrant workers wishing to return would have to wait until after the two-week period is over, the announcement said. 
The provinces include Banteay Meanchey -- where key border town Poipet is located -- and Siem Reap, home to the famed Angkor Wat temple complex.
Provincial governors will determine which areas are to be designated "red zones", Hun Sen said, a label that effectively bans residents from leaving their homes, gathering or conducting business.
So far, none of the eight provinces has said which areas will have the strictest measures.
Authorities in the capital Phnom Penh also on Thursday imposed a nighttime curfew for two weeks, restricting residents from leaving their homes between 9 am and 3 am.
Cambodia has one of the weakest healthcare infrastructures in Southeast Asia, but it appeared to have largely contained its coronavirus cases last year.
But an outbreak detected in February has steadily driven the caseload up to more than 75,000.

It will remain in place until August 12, and affects a quarter of Cambodia's population of 16 million

Cambodia appeared to have contained its coronavirus outbreak last year, but is now struggling with a rising caseload

Cambodia imposes virus curbs along Thailand border over Delta fears

The temperature maximum measured for July at the Meteorological Station Sarajevo – Bjelave was exceeded on Wednesday, July 28.

The maximum air temperature was 38.5 degrees Celsius.
The previous absolute maximum is from twenty days ago, when the maximum temperature was 38.4 degrees.
Until this year, the highest temperature ever measured in July was 38.2 in 2000, announced the FB&amp;H Hydrometeorological Institute of B&amp;H.
Due to extremely high air temperatures throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, an orange meteorological alarm is on, which warns of extraordinary and dangerous weather conditions.

Until this year, the highest temperature ever measured in July was 38.2 in 2000

The previous absolute maximum is from twenty days ago, when the maximum temperature was 38.4 degrees

Temperature maximum for July exceeded in Sarajevo

The Appellate Chamber of the Court of B&amp;H has rejected the appeal of the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H to extend the custody of the accused in the "Zijad Mutap" case, the "Avaz" portal has learned.
We remind you that the Court of B&amp;H released the accused to defend from freedom two weeks ago, but the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H appealed against this decision.

<h2> The lawyer's appeal was also rejected</h2>

We find out that the appeal of the lawyers, who demanded that prohibitive measures for Alisa Mutap, her father Zijad, police officers Hasan Dupovac and Josip Barić, and Muamer Ožegović, an employee of the Crystal Hotel, be lifted, was also rejected.
Zijad Mutap and Hasan Dupovac will remain under house arrest, while the others are obliged to report to the police. By the decision of the Court, they were forbidden to meet with certain persons and witnesses, as well as to communicate with each other.
The accused are charged with joining an organized crime group formed by Zijad Mutap and others on February 8, 2016, which was organized to conceal evidence of the manner in which young man Dženan Memić suffered serious bodily injuries dangerous to life on February 8, 2016 in Ilidža's Great Alley, as a result of which he died on February 15 at the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo.

The five, led by Zijad Mutap, are accused of unauthorizedly and without an order from the competent court, for seizing evidence in the form of video surveillance footage, faking and planting evidence that is not real.
- They led the officials of the SC Ministry of the Interior to pass and sign acts that do not correspond to the established facts, submitted fake evidence to the experts, presenting them as real, and thus obstructed and directed the investigation in the wrong direction - it is stated.

Zijad Mutap and Hasan Dupovac will remain under house arrest, while others are required to report to the police and are banned from communicating with witnesses

"Memić" case: Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina rejects Prosecution's appeal, Alisa Mutap, her father Zijad and others will defend from freedom

The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, on the eve of today's economic forum in Skopje, spoke exclusively for "Avaz". He says that this is an initiative that is of exceptional importance for the region of the Western Balkans.

- Representatives of more than 300 companies, as well as international institutions, who have expressed great interest, will be present in Skopje. The new name of the initiative, which we launched together with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and which has so far been informally called "Mini Schengen", will be promoted at this event. A memorandum of understanding and an interstate agreement will be signed at the forum, which will greatly facilitate the lives of the citizens of the region and the business community - Zaev pointed out.
When asked about Bosnia and Herzegovina's participation in this regional initiative, Zaev said that North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania were open to all other countries in the Western Balkans from the very beginning.

- We will point this out once again on this forum. This means that the call is open to everyone, including B&amp;H. I emphasized this at the last meeting with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of B&amp;H, Zoran Tegeltija. However, each state decides for itself whether it will join this initiative, which, and I am deeply convinced of that, brings the most benefits to the citizens - Zaev concluded.
For example, as Zaev stated, one of the documents that will be signed today contains provisions for simpler import, export and movement/transit of goods.
- There is also the cooperation of customs and other competent authorities, as well as special provisions on food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary issues and free movement of industrial non-food products. The second memorandum is important for the movement on the labor market in the region. It obliges the parties to ensure easier and freer access to the labor market, all with the aim of revoking work permits or simplifying the procedures related to obtaining temporary work permits - Zaev told us.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has already arrived in Skopje and held meetings with colleagues Edi Rama and Zoran Zaev.
Vučić also announced that the name of the "Mini Schengen" initiative will be changed at today's regional economic forum in Skopje and that three agreements will be signed, as well as that "fast lanes" for faster passage will be made at the border crossings in the coming period for people from the region, as there are special lanes for people from the European Union at the entrance to European countries.
- We worked on three documents and I believe that we will sign them in Skopje, they are important documents on trade, work permits and mutual support in case of fires, floods and other disasters, which is in the interest of our peoples - Vučić explained.

<h2>The B&H government has not expressed a specific intention</h2>

Joining the initiative is also open to other economies in the Western Balkans, however, as "Avaz" finds out, Bosnia and Herzegovina did not receive an invitation to participate in the summit or join the announced agreements, all due to the fact that so far B&amp;H the government did not express a specific intention to become part of this story.

North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania have been open to all other Western Balkan countries from the very beginning, Zaev said

Zaev: Each state decides for itself whether to join this initiative

North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev for "Avaz": Doors of "Mini Schengen" are open for B&H

Five people still missing a day after a huge explosion at a German chemical park are unlikely to be found alive, the site operator said Wednesday, urging residents not to touch possibly toxic soot from the blast.

Two people had already been confirmed dead in the incident on Tuesday, which also injured 31 others.
-We have no hope of finding the missing alive- said Frank Hyldmar, CEO of Chempark operator Currenta. -Our thoughts are with the families- he added.
The cause of the Tuesday morning blast at Chempark's waste incineration site in the western city of Leverkusen remains unknown, he told a press conference.
Police in nearby Cologne said Wednesday they are investigating unknown persons on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and causing an explosion through negligence.
The blast, which was heard several kilometres away and rattled the windows of nearby homes, sent a cloud of black smoke into the air. 
It also triggered a fire in storage tanks for solvents that took firefighters hours to put out.
Police closed several motorways in the area and residents were told to stay indoors and shut their windows over concerns dangerous gases may have been released.
The warning remained in place for most of Tuesday until city authorities said air pollution measurements had shown no abnormalities.
Experts are still probing whether soot particles that came down after the blast may be toxic, with a final report not expected for several days.
Currenta chief operating officer Hans Gennen told residents not to touch any residue they might come across and to contact the authorities so samples can be taken.
Locals have also been advised not to eat fruit or vegetables from their gardens, and playgrounds in Leverkusen's Buerrig and Opladen neighbourhoods are temporarily closed.
-We will do everything we can to get to the bottom of this terrible event- Currenta CEO Hyldmar said.
Four of the missing are Currenta employees, while the fifth works for an external company, he added.
Of the 31 injured, one is in a serious condition.
All those affected worked at the chemical park.
The area where the blast happened, in Leverkusen's Buerrig district, is a short distance away from Chempark's main industrial park that houses numerous chemical companies including Bayer, Lanxess and Evonik Industries.
A report in Der Spiegel magazine said the blast was measured as far as 40 kilometres (25 miles) away.

Two people had already been confirmed dead in the incident on Tuesday, which also injured 31 others

The explosion sent a cloud of black smoke into the air

'No hope' for five missing after German chemical blast

The Italian coastguard arrested 18 people on Wednesday for illegal fishing of a rare mollusc, breaking up what police said was a criminal organisation that had been destroying a stretch of protected coastline south of Naples.

The arrests followed a three-year investigation into the group which had allegedly been harvesting date mussels, a protected species, using hammers to get them out of the rocks near the seaside beauty spot of Sorrento.
Fishing for date mussels has been illegal in Italy since 1998, because they are an endangered species and the invasive methods used to get them out of the rocks they bore into are destructive for the marine ecosystem.
The valuable shellfish, considered a delicacy, are longer than common mussels and have a browner shell. They sell at up to 200 euros ($235) per kilo on the black market.

The people arrested are accused of numerous crimes including illegal fishing, destroying the marine habitat and selling unsafe foods, said a statement from the prosecutors' office of Torre Annunziata which led the investigation.

The "criminal organisation," which had allegedly operated since 2016, was also responsible for collecting and selling clams from a "highly polluted" area near the mouth of a river carrying hydrocarbons and heavy metals, the statement said.
Less than three months ago on the nearby island of Capri, a glamorous tourist destination, police broke up two other organisations for date mussel fishing.A police video showed the holes in the three "Faraglioni" rock formations, a symbol of Capri, caused by the drills and hammers the fishermen had used to extract the molluscs.

Fishing for date mussels has been illegal in Italy since 1998, because they are an endangered species

A scuba diver illegally harvests date mussels at Tyrrhenian Sea in this screengrab taken from a video released on July 28, 2021.

Italy arrests 18 for illegal fishing of protected shellfish

Host of the world’s biggest games, Olympics 2020, Tokyo on Wednesday reported the biggest daily jump in COVID-19 cases.
The number of virus cases crossed 3,000 today, Japanese government sources told Tokyo-based Kyodo News. It is the first time the capital recorded such a high number of daily infections since the coronavirus outbreak.
The all-time high cases follow 2,848 coronavirus infections on Tuesday despite a state of emergency in Tokyo and the surrounding provinces to stem the spread of the infections.
The rise in infections comes at a time when Tokyo is hosting Olympics and Paralympics under strict COVID-19 measures since last weekend. However, the infection is also spreading among the officials and participants.
At least 16 more cases were reported among the Olympic staff on Wednesday, but none of them were the athletes. Until today, 169 such cases have been reported.
-We want to make a commitment to keep hosting a safe and secure games until the end- Masanori Takaya, a spokesman for the organizing committee, told a news conference.
Tokyo, Kanagawa and Chiba provinces are witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant of the virus.
Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba provinces are also mulling to ask the central government to expand the state of emergency in these regions due to rising infections.
Earlier, experts warned the Delta strain, which was first detected in India, may cause an alarming surge in cases that could peak around Aug. 3, five days before the Olympics end.
The office of the Japanese prime minister said the country has reported a total of 875,506 coronavirus cases, including 15,137 deaths, since the pandemic began in 2019.

Experts warn of alarming surge as Japanese capital sees over 3,000 coronavirus cases, highest since outbreak

Tokyo, Kanagawa and Chiba provinces are witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant of the virus

Olympics host Tokyo sees record daily virus cases

South Korea on Wednesday reported 1,896 new cases, the highest daily spike since the coronavirus outbreak in the Asian country in January 2020.

The latest update by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency showed that the record one-day count on Tuesday raised the nationwide caseload to 193,427 as the country battles the fourth wave of the outbreak.
The new cases have been growing in South Korea since July 7, when authorities reported the highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus, first identified in India, was spreading.
With four more fatalities over the past day, the death toll also rose to 2,083.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean health authorities fear that the virus curve may not have reached its peak yet, as the Delta variant is becoming the dominant strain in the country.
To control the spread of the virus, the government has extended the highest distancing measures of Level 4 in the capital Seoul and surrounding areas for another two weeks till Aug. 8.
Under the level 4 restrictions, gatherings of more than two people after 6 p.m. are banned, while restaurants and cafes are allowed to serve until 10 p.m. and nightclubs and other entertainment venues are banned.
So far 17.9 million people have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines in South Korea, which makes 34.9% of the total population. However, only 6.97 million people have been fully vaccinated, according to official figures.

Country reports nearly 1,900 cases amid 4th wave as more contagious Delta variant spreading

With four more fatalities over the past day, the death toll also rose to 2,083

South Korea sees highest daily COVID cases since outbreak

Switzerland provided the health centres in the Una-Sana Canton, the Emergency unit of the Sarajevo Canton, as well as several health facilities in the Sarajevo Canton and the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton with special equipment for emergency operations. This will further improve health care for both the local population and people on the move. 

The medical equipment and devices such as 100 doctor bags, EKG and protective equipment provides the health structure with essential resources to meet the needs of patients and protect medical staff from health risks, announced the Danish Refugee Council. 
-The medical equipment will not only improve the quality of the health care services for both local population and migrants, but also allow assisting more patients in need. The risk of COVID-19 infection of personnel and patients in health structures and migrant reception centers is reduced through the donation of protective equipment and products to maintain hygiene and disinfection- said Chantal Felder, Deputy Director of Cooperation at the Embassy of Switzerland in B&amp;H. 
The donated equipment, worth 315,000 BAM, was provided through the project “Response to humanitarian and health needs of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in B&amp;H”, funded by the Swiss government and implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC).
It is said in the announcement that Switzerland and DRC recognize the additional strain that is placed on the public healthcare system as a result of both the increased numbers of asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants in the country and the need of local citizens.
-The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina related to migration requires intensive mobilization of medical staff, an extremely high number of medical examinations and serious interventions performed daily in hospitals and health centers. In addition, the capacity of infirmaries operating in temporary reception centers, where medical staff from local health centers are working, are strenghtened- pointed out Verica Rečević, DRC B&amp;H Programe Manager.

The medical equipment and devices such as 100 doctor bags, EKG and protective equipment provides the health structure with essential resources to meet the needs of patients and protect medical staff from health risks

The donated equipment, worth 315,000 BAM, was provided through the project “Response to humanitarian and health needs of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in B&H”

Switzerland donates specialized medical equipment to health institutions

The trial of FB&amp;H Prime Minister Fadil Novalić and other indictees in the "Ventilators" affair for the purchase of 100 ventilators worth 10,530,000 KM, imported from China for the needs of the Federal Civil Protection Administration by the company "Srebrena malina", continued today in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the presentation of material evidence.
Apart from Novalić, the suspended director of the Federal Administration of Civil Protection Fahrudin Solak, the Minister of Finance of the Federation of B&amp;H (FB&amp;H) Jelka Milićević and the owner of the company "Srebrena malina" Fikret Hodžić are accused of the disputed purchase of ventilators.
Novalić, Solak and Hodžić are charged with conspiracy to commit criminal offenses related to acts of abuse of position or authority, receiving a reward or other form of benefit for trading in influence.
The indictment also charges them with money laundering, falsification or destruction of business or trade books or documents, falsification of official documents and violation of the obligation to keep trade or business books and compile financial reports and their falsification or destruction.
Milićević is accused of negligent work in the service.
Prosecutor Džermin Pašić also presented the messages that the accused exchanged with each other via Viber.
He also singled out the one message from March 18th last year, when the Secretary General of the Government of the Federation of B&amp;H, Edita Kalajdžić, wrote to Novalić:
- Boss, talk with Sebija (Op. cit. Director of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo Sebija Izetbegović) regarding the prices of ventilators ".
Prosecutor Pašić again presented the message sent by Edvin Kučuković, in which he warns that the purchased ventilators are not for human treatment.
Thus, on April 28, Ganibegović sent a message:
- Please forward this to the Prime Minister. Ventilators are not adequate, patients die on these ventilators because lung rupture occurs. I can get you a thousand pieces of these for $ 9,000. Do you remember this message, we got just those ventilators - it is written in the message.

Prosecutor Pašić, among others, singled out the message from March 18 last year, when the Secretary General of the Government of the Federation of B&H, Edita Kalajdžić, told Novalić "to talk to Sebija"

Video / "Ventilators" affair: Take a look at the messages the accused Novalić, Solak, Hodžić and Milićević exchanged

Muriz Memić, the father of the late Dženan Memić, said at today's press conference on the occasion of yesterday's acquittal at the Supreme Court of FB&amp;H in the case against Ljubo and Bekrija Seferović, that their fight that lasted five and a half years showed that one should not suffer.
- On the day of my admission to the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office in 2016, Dalida Burzić showed her strength. She told me he didn’t want to kill him and that it was a push that escalated. Dr. Čeljo said that a traffic accident is out of the question. Yesterday, the Supreme Court said that the Prosecution had not proved with a single piece of evidence and expertise that it was a traffic accident. They tried everything, but in the end the Supreme Court made such a decision. I would like us to stop talking about the car accident from today. We need to work to hold those responsible for the murder accountable - said Memić.
He added that he expects the investigation to continue and that no one can stop it anymore.
- The report against Gordana Tadić is ridiculous. The report against Dalida Burzić was much more difficult. Alena Kurspahić and her deputy are in our report. He admitted to us that he had pressure. He said he would leave the prosecution, but he did not leave. I will not stop, I promised that to the citizens - said Memić.
He also announced big protests in September.
Ifet Feraget, Memić's lawyer, also addressed journalists at today's press conference.

Dr. Čeljo said that a traffic accident was out of the question, Memić said

Memić: I will not stop, I promised the citizens that

Muriz Memić: Dalida Burzić told me that he did not want to kill him, that there was a push

In the past 24 hours, 1,333 samples were registered with the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H, of which 29 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. 

New cases have been registered in the Herzegovina-Neretva, West Herzegovina, Zenica-Doboj, Tuzla, Sarajevo Canton and Canton 10.
In the past 24 hours, no deaths were reported in the Federation of B&amp;H. The total number of deaths in the FB&amp;H is 5,540.
So far, a total of 207,618 people have been vaccinated in the Federation of B&amp;H, of which 126,345 have received both doses, the FB&amp;H Public Health Institute said.
In Republic of Srpska, 218 laboratory samples were tested in the last 24 hours, and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed in 14 people.
No deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, the RS Institute of Public Health said.
So far, 64,432 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in that B&amp;H entity, and a total of 3,808 people dies who have been tested positive for the virus.
Of the 106 people tested in the Brčko District, none tested positive for coronavirus. Not a single infected person died in this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina today either. Three cases are currently active.

New cases have been registered in the Herzegovina-Neretva, West Herzegovina, Zenica-Doboj, Tuzla, Sarajevo Canton and Canton 10

Three cases are currently active in Brčko District

B&H registers 43 new cases of COVID-19, and no deaths

More than half the population of Germany is now fully vaccinated, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Wednesday, but concerns are growing about a slowdown in uptake. 

-41.8 million Germans now have full protection, while 61.1 percent have received at least one shot. The more people who get vaccinated, the safer we will be in autumn and winter- Spahn wrote on Twitter.
Germany's vaccination campaign accelerated in the spring after a sluggish first few months, yet the country remains some way off the 80 percent targeted for herd immunity. 
The inoculation drive has slowed to a snail's pace in recent weeks, sharpening fears of a fourth wave of infections driven by the more contagious Delta variant.
With case numbers also rising, the debate over how to convince more people to take the vaccine is set to become a key issue in the national elections scheduled for September 26.
Unlike other European countries such as France and Greece, Germany has so far ruled out introducing compulsory jabs for certain parts of the population.
Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel urged citizens to get vaccinated to curb what she called a "clear and worrying dynamic" in the infection rates.
-Every vaccination... is a small step towards a return to normality- she said.
Merkel's chief of staff Helge Braun has also mooted possible further restrictions on public life for the unvaccinated, even if they can show a recent negative test. 
-Vaccinated people will definitely have more freedom than unvaccinated people- if case numbers rise again in the autumn, said Braun. 
Germany has seen low infection numbers over the summer compared to many of its European neighbours, but cases have been creeping up over the past weeks.
On Wednesday, official figures showed 2768 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, while the incidence had risen again to reach 15 cases per 100,000 over a seven-day period.
According to the Robert Koch Institute public health agency, the Delta variant now accounts for more than 80 percent of all new infections in Germany.&nbsp;

Unlike other European countries such as France and Greece, Germany has so far ruled out introducing compulsory jabs for certain parts of the population

Germany's vaccination campaign accelerated in the spring after a sluggish first few months, yet the country remains some way off the 80 percent targeted for herd immunity

UNDP and Norwegian Embassy donate equipment to 23 civil society organizations

Musa: Seven percent of population in FB&H fully vaccinated

B&H registers 44 new cases of COVID-19, with no deaths

Cambodia imposes virus curbs along Thailand border over Delta fears

Temperature maximum for July exceeded in Sarajevo

"Memić" case: Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina rejects Prosecution's appeal, Alisa Mutap, her father Zijad and others will defend from freedom

North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev for "Avaz": Doors of "Mini Schengen" are open for B&H

'No hope' for five missing after German chemical blast

Italy arrests 18 for illegal fishing of protected shellfish

Olympics host Tokyo sees record daily virus cases

South Korea sees highest daily COVID cases since outbreak

Switzerland donates specialized medical equipment to health institutions

Video / "Ventilators" affair: Take a look at the messages the accused Novalić, Solak, Hodžić and Milićević exchanged

Muriz Memić: Dalida Burzić told me that he did not want to kill him, that there was a push

B&H registers 43 new cases of COVID-19, and no deaths

More than half of German population fully vaccinated

News

UNDP and Norwegian Embassy donate equipment to 23 civil society organizations

Musa: Seven percent of population in FB&H fully vaccinated

B&H registers 44 new cases of COVID-19, with no deaths

Cambodia imposes virus curbs along Thailand border over Delta fears

Temperature maximum for July exceeded in Sarajevo

"Memić" case: Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina rejects Prosecution's appeal, Alisa Mutap, her father Zijad and others will defend from freedom

North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev for "Avaz": Doors of "Mini Schengen" are open for B&H

'No hope' for five missing after German chemical blast

Italy arrests 18 for illegal fishing of protected shellfish

Olympics host Tokyo sees record daily virus cases

South Korea sees highest daily COVID cases since outbreak

Switzerland donates specialized medical equipment to health institutions

Video / "Ventilators" affair: Take a look at the messages the accused Novalić, Solak, Hodžić and Milićević exchanged

Muriz Memić: Dalida Burzić told me that he did not want to kill him, that there was a push

B&H registers 43 new cases of COVID-19, and no deaths

More than half of German population fully vaccinated