Pandemic
Pressure from the countries for a new Corona legal basis
Is another corona wave imminent in autumn? Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Most everyday government requirements for corona protection have been removed. But preparations for what will probably be a less relaxed time after the summer are already underway. The pace is not enough for everyone.
Pressure is growing from the federal states on the federal government to quickly create a legal basis for further protective requirements in the event of a new corona wave in autumn.
Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia called for an amendment to the Infection Protection Act to be presented before the summer break before the two-day consultation of the health ministers this Wednesday. Representatives of the SPD and Greens rely on clarifications and preparatory steps in the traffic light coalition. The number of infections has recently risen again.
Baden-Württemberg’s Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann (Greens) said on Tuesday in Stuttgart that filling the toolbox fully is a matter of practical common sense. “The fire brigade doesn’t work in such a way that they only order the hoses when they see the size of the fire.” For months he has been calling for countries to be given the opportunity to take extensive protective measures. The FDP prevented that in the federal government. The minimum equipment must include a mask requirement indoors, contact restrictions, upper limits for events and test requirements.
Lauterbach announces seven-point plan
Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach announced a seven-point plan in view of what is likely to be a more tense situation in autumn. These include another major vaccination campaign, faster use of medication for sick people and more precise responsibilities for corona protection in nursing homes. The SPD politician said he assumed that citizen tests could continue to be used in the summer. So far, the free offer is regulated until the end of June. Lauterbach announced on the Infection Protection Act that he and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) are aiming for key points before the summer break – they could then be decided after the summer.
The Corona provisions in the Infection Protection Act, which were severely reduced at the beginning of spring, expire on September 23rd. In the coalition, the FDP rejects quick new definitions. First of all, a report by an expert committee expected by June 30th, which is to evaluate previous pandemic measures, should be awaited. Lauterbach said on ARD: “We will then come to an agreement very quickly. The drama that everyone is waiting for will not happen.” The minister continued: “And so we will be much better prepared for the winter than one or the other now suspects.”
SPD faction leader Rolf Mützenich made it clear that he believes new requirements are necessary. “The pandemic is not over yet,” he said in Berlin. “No one should question the fact that measures are necessary.” Mützenich was “confident” that the traffic light would take the necessary steps. “The coalition is so intensely involved with these various issues that we will ultimately come to a joint decision.” The review of the previous measures is important “in order to adjust the measures”.
Forward-looking planning required
Green party leader Britta Haßelmann said forward planning was important. It must be avoided that schools or cultural institutions are closed again. “It is very important that we have agreed as a traffic light that the preparations are being made here now.” As soon as the commission report and further information are available, the coalition can present key points “in which we can plan ahead what needs to be done from September, when the Infection Protection Act expires”. A decision in Parliament will then be made by the beginning of September at the latest. According to the meeting calendar, the Bundestag will go on summer break on July 8th and will meet again in the week beginning September 5th.
AfD party and parliamentary group leader Tino Chrupalla said in Berlin that the government was preparing “further measures to tame the citizens” in the case of Corona. The AfD will reject this. In the future, protective measures would have to be left to the personal responsibility of the citizens.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) gave the seven-day incidence on Tuesday as 458.5. The day before, the value of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants was 416.0 in seven days – after 447.3 a week ago and 342.0 a month ago. Experts fear another corona wave for autumn and winter.