It is still unclear whether it will be possible to take a breather at Christmas. But at least on December 24th, a few hours have to be shoveled for the family, says Carmen Breitwieser. Because there were seldom quiet hours for the 46-year-old from Oftering this year. At the beginning of the year she became the head of the Corona crisis team in Upper Austria.
It was a year marked by ups and downs: “It started well because we finally started with the vaccinations.” The mishaps, such as the breakdown of the registration system, were less good. In this ups and downs, the fight against the pandemic continued. Nevertheless, she has not regretted taking the job: “Even though I really enjoyed being the district captain of Steyr and sometimes I thought what to expect.”
“Pulling together”
There was a lot to bear, the uncertainty, the often changing initial situation, but also the criticism of crisis management and ultimately of yourself and some of the less successful media appearances. But, according to Breitwieser: “I am obviously endowed with a lot of resilience and confidence.” Giving up is therefore out of the question, because there is a clear goal: to defeat the coronavirus. “The solidarity with all partners – from the authorities to the hospitals to the Red Cross – is so great, and we are all pulling together. That always gives me hope and doesn’t make me give up,” says Carmen Breitwieser.
Switching off is almost impossible at the moment, according to the head of the crisis team: “So much depends, and we in the administration want to deal with the situation in the best possible way. Even if that is not always seen.”
At home, however, there are practically forced breaks. “The children demand that you really be there. Thank God they are uncompromising,” says the mother of an eleven and a 22-year-old son. And there is the support of the family: “That is worth infinitely much, and I thank you for that too.” And Breitwieser started a new sport in this exceptional year: “Cycling, on weekends in all weathers.” The daily briefings and the resulting limited free time are also reflected in the preparations for Christmas. Usually the Breitwieser house decorates lavishly: “But this year nothing is hanging.” But they will make up for that, because: “Christmas is very important to me. It is the celebration of the family, with which one also associates many childhood memories. And to feel these feelings is worth a lot.”
At the moment, many people do not feel like celebrating: “I am very sorry that something like a Christmas peace is currently not noticeable.” It is the aim of the crisis team to convey security even in these difficult times: “Unfortunately, we are always lagging behind the virus. Errors happen, but above all we cannot influence the virus.” This requires a joint effort – and that Breitwieser’s “really only Christmas wish” come true: “That as many as possible go to the vaccination. Unfortunately, that is our only effective means against the pandemic.”
Source: Nachrichten
