Germany’s leading health institution has warned of a “very, very serious” situation as the country grapples with an accelerated third wave of coronavirus cases and a sluggish vaccination rollout.

On Sunday, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for disease control reported more than 17,800 new infections and 104 deaths.

Despite figures being usually slightly lower on weekends due to less testing, cases are rising compared with a week ago when the RKI registered nearly 12,200 cases and 68 deaths.

According to data from 70 hospitals around the country, more and more young people were being hospitalized with respiratory infections, and ICUs were rapidly filling up.

Almost 90 percent of the new cases are caused by the more transmissible B.1.1.7 strain, known as the UK variant.

A further element of concern is the country’s sluggish vaccination campaign, analysts argue, due to the European Commission’s botched purchase plan.