Germany: The government predicts a new wave of the pandemic in the fall

The government expects a new wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the fall, with the Minister of Health speaking of “difficulties since October” and announcing a tightening of protection measures. Karl Lauterbach, however, ruled out imposing a general lockdown and suspending the operation of schools.

According to the decisions of today’s cabinet, from October 1 until April 23, 2023, the use of FFP-2 type masks is mandatory on trains and airplanes. For ages 6 to 14, the use of a simple surgical mask is also allowed. To enter hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, the use of an FFP-2 mask and a test are mandatory. The same applies to the workers in these areas.

“With the toolbox we have created we can deal with the expected wave of the pandemic in the fall,” Mr. Lauterbach said after the cabinet meeting, noting that states will have the ability to adapt regulations to the specific circumstances of each region. In a first phase, state governments can mandate the use of masks on local public transport, as well as indoors, with the exception of those who have tested negative or have been vaccinated or recently recovered from coronavirus.

Compulsory tests can be requested in schools, kindergartens, prisons and asylum seekers’ centers. In a second phase, it is possible to impose the use of masks in crowded outdoor spaces, as well as in schools, in order to continue lifelong teaching.

“Our goal remains to prevent a large number of deaths, loss of working hours and serious consequences”, the minister emphasized and clarified that stricter uniform regulations of a national scope require a relevant decision of the Federal Parliament. “Schools will not be closed,” however, Mr. Lauterbach clarified. “Students have suffered enough, so it is right that there are no more closed schools,” added Justice Minister Marco Busman.

In recent days, however, the images from the government plane in which Chancellor Olaf Soltz and Vice-Chancellor Robert Hambeck traveled to Canada, where no one is wearing a protective mask, have caused serious reactions.

According to a statement by the German Air Force, which is responsible for government air travel, the general regulation requiring the use of masks on domestic flights and those taking off or landing at a German airport does not apply to government aircraft. Passengers undergo a molecular test for coronavirus shortly before boarding to “ensure a high level of protection,” the statement said, noting that mask use is recommended but not required. Chancellor Olaf Solz, for his part, spoke of “clear” rules in place on government flights, but Lufthansa announced that at the moment wearing a mask on the flight is mandatory, regardless of whether a pre-boarding test has been carried out. “Politically, I would recommend that the government apply the general rules to itself,” Mr Bushman said.

Source: AMPE