Counties and independent cities that exceed the seven-day incidence of 1000 in the coming days do not have to automatically shut down public life: the so-called hotspot regulation will be suspended until the planned revision in the cabinet. Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) announced this on Thursday. “I think it is right and appropriate to adapt the hotspot regulations currently in force in Bavaria, which are tied to a seven-day incidence of 1000, to Omikron,” said Holetschek. Every day brings additional knowledge and counts for the most appropriate adjustment of the hotspot regulation. “Until then, the existing hotspot regulation will not be applied,” said the minister. “Otherwise there would be regional lockdowns again in Bavaria in just a few days.”
The corona numbers are also rising rapidly in Bavaria, several regions were already above the 600 incidence mark on Thursday. According to the current corona ordinance, which the cabinet extended on Tuesday, regions with a seven-day incidence should be over 1000 public life will be drastically shut down. Among other things, the gastronomy as well as accommodation, sports and cultural facilities would have to close. State Chancellor Florian Herrmann (CSU) had already indicated an increase in the threshold – the cabinet will discuss this and other details next week.
It is also under discussion whether from a certain value – possibly 1000 – the 2-G-Plus rule should also be used in gastronomy. The Minister of Health said that one will certainly take another critical look at the regulations on 2 G and 2 G Plus and where these are appropriate and necessary. He did not want to anticipate the cabinet meeting, said Holetschek. “But I could imagine that we will raise today’s limit for a regional hotspot of 1000.” He had already announced that some time ago in the SZ conversation. The current infection dynamics should be included. “That would do justice to the changed threat situation posed by Omikron, which is different from Delta.”
One sees, for example, in the first studies from the USA that the probability of a hospital stay is only about half as great or even lower. On the other hand, there would be higher case numbers and a more dynamic infection process. “In the future, high burdens on the healthcare system can only be expected if the incidence is higher than before,” said Holetschek. “But it is clear that we will continue to keep a very close eye on the occupancy of the hospitals so that we can react again at short notice if necessary.” He warned: “Omikron continues to roll towards Bavaria.” The incidences increased and will continue to do so.
Up to now, incidence values above 1000 have been relatively rare in Bavaria. According to the data from the Robert Koch Institute, the mark has only been torn in 15 of the 96 rural districts and cities. This happened for the first time on November 10th in Rottal-Inn. Most recently, on December 8th, the districts of Freyung-Grafenau and Weilheim-Schongau were above this threshold, and it has not been reached since then. Values over 1500 were only available in two districts: Rottal-Inn was above this threshold on November 21, Freyung-Grafenau from November 20 to 24. There, on November 23, the highest seven-day incidence ever recorded in Bavaria was reached at 1614.4.