Corona crisis in Germany
Leopoldina recommends immediate contact restrictions and gradual compulsory vaccination
Bavaria, Regensburg: The Christmas market on the grounds of Thurn und Taxis Castle
© Armin Weigel / DPA
New corona infections are developing rapidly, and the situation in the health system is becoming more and more critical. The National Academy of Sciences calls for immediate countermeasures.
In order to counter the rapid increase in new corona infections, the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina recommends immediate comprehensive contact restrictions. “From a medical and epidemiological point of view, it is immediately effective to significantly reduce the number of contacts for a few weeks from the beginning of next week,” said a statement published on Saturday. “Due to the decreasing immunity, these measures would have to apply temporarily to vaccinated and convalescent people who have to receive a booster vaccination during this time.” New virus variants made quick and consistent action even more urgent.
Leopoldina recommends phased vaccination
The vaccination campaign must be massively strengthened and mandatory vaccination introduced in stages. Unvaccinated people should be vaccinated as quickly as possible, and they should be motivated to do so or made responsible. A quickly introduced job-related compulsory vaccination for doctors, nurses and medical professionals is important. In total, around 30 million third vaccinations should be made possible by Christmas in addition to first and second vaccinations, according to the Leopoldina.
In the meantime, strict contact reductions are necessary in the private sector, indoors and in situations with many people, for example at events, in bars and clubs. A general mask requirement must apply where personal contacts cannot be avoided. The 2G rules would have to be consistently enforced and the AHA-L rules (distance, hygiene, everyday mask and ventilation) observed.
“If implemented strictly, this option would end the exponential increase in new infections in the fourth wave and thus counteract the overloading of the health system.” Consistent enforcement of the 2G rules alone would be less effective, a longer course of the fourth wave and more fatalities would have to be expected, according to the experts, including the Berlin virologist Christian Drosten.
With a view to children and young people, the Leopoldina recommends early Christmas holidays and regular corona tests at least three times a week. Teachers and students of all grades should wear masks throughout their entire stay in schools. “A suspension of compulsory attendance and alternating classes in schools as well as the closing of day-care centers should be avoided as far as possible.”
In their ad hoc statement, the scientists wrote about the overall situation: “These days Germany is facing a renewed, intensified escalation of the Covid 19 crisis. It is to be feared that parts of politics and the public will not understand the drama of the situation to the full extent. ” A polyphony in publicly presented assessments of facts and prognoses as well as a certain habituation effect contribute to this.