Status: 08.02.2022 11:26 a.m
Health Minister Lauterbach considers easing to be premature in view of the increasing number of infections. Before Easter, however, there could be significant openings. He sharply criticized the course of Bavaria’s Prime Minister Söder.
In the debate about easing the corona pandemic, Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach again warned against a quick lifting of measures. The situation is not really under control yet, said the SPD politician at a joint press conference with RKI President Lothar Wieler. According to Lauterbach, jeopardizing a “functioning, successful strategy” without needing to do so cannot be the goal.
Relaxing the corona restrictions would only lengthen the wave. The Minister of Health pointed out the increasing number of cases, many unvaccinated older people and a comparatively “very old population” in Europe in Germany. “We cannot advocate broad easing, as is currently being discussed, at this point in time.” There could be openings well before Easter, but they are still premature.
Confirmatory PCR tests for everyone
Regarding the PCR tests, Lauterbach said that the quotas are sufficient to offer confirmatory PCR tests for everyone who can present a positive antigen test. “So we would have a very safe and efficient system.” This works well for up to about 450,000 cases per day. Negative antigen tests would suffice for free testing.
Clear criticism of Bavaria’s Prime Minister Söder
Lauterbach also sharply criticized Bavaria’s decision to suspend compulsory vaccination for the care industry. Prime Minister Markus Söder sent a “dangerous signal” by suspending the facility-related vaccination requirement. Söder gives the impression that “the protest against the institution-related vaccination requirement on the street is more important than protecting people who are waiting helplessly for good care,” said Lauterbach.
In addition, it is “difficult to convey” when a prime minister simply says that the laws in force in his country are not being implemented. He hopes that the federal government will find a solution with the states for the implementation of the vaccination requirement.
Lauterbach criticized the fact that medical staff were refusing a corona vaccination as unacceptable. “It’s unacceptable for the employees in these facilities to say: We don’t accept Western knowledge, I don’t believe in vaccination.” This is “not really a justifiable position for medical staff,” said Lauterbach.
“We are at a turning point”
“In fact, we are at a turning point,” said RKI boss Wieler. “I am optimistic that we will soon have survived the omicron wave, even if the peak of the wave has not yet been reached,” said Wieler. “So far we have managed comparatively well through this storm.” Compared to the previous Delta variant, a smaller proportion of those infected at Omikron became seriously ill. There is an increase in hospital admissions, but this is comparatively small.
According to the RKI boss, it is too early to give the all-clear: So far, younger people in particular have been infected, while the incidence among older people has only gradually increased. The high number of unvaccinated people over the age of 60 continues to cause concern. Wieler called for the contagion to be slowed down in order to protect vulnerable groups and critical infrastructure. “In a few weeks we have survived the omicron wave. Let’s stay calm and mindful and attentive. And then we can relax and look forward to Easter,” he said.
Wieler, who has been criticized for the change in the recovered status, was demonstratively backed by Lauterbach. “Mr. Wieler has my full confidence,” said the SPD politician.