Frequent handwashing and social distancing are known to reduce the spread of infection. But could gadgets — such as a prong for flushing loos and covers for keyboards — help too? ADRIAN MONTI asked experts to review a selection; we then rated them.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn told Redaktions Netzwerk Deutschland Monday he had asked the country's 16 regional states to establish coronavirus immunization centers by mid-December, assuming European authorities approved the first vaccine. 

"I'd rather have a ready-to-go immunization center that remains inactive for several days than a licensed vaccine that cannot be administered," the minister said, reiterating that vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, would be treated first.

Germany has secured more than 300 million vaccine doses via the European Commission under bilateral contracts and options, Spahn estimated.

"Even with two doses per immunization [of an individual] we would have enough for [Germany's] own population and could share with other countries," Spahn forecast.