opinion
On March 20th, all “profound” corona protection measures will be relaxed in Germany. But Minister of Health Lauterbach warns of a “summer wave”. Our author believes that the minister should not only warn of high infection rates, but also focus on how we can live normally with the virus.
He wouldn’t be Karl Lauterbach if he didn’t have a warning in his quiver: The SPD Health Minister warns of increased corona infection numbers in summer in view of the imminent relaxation of the “profound” corona protection measures in Germany. “We have to expect a summer wave,” Lauterbach told the newspapers of the Funke media group on Saturday.
The variants Omikron and Delta are so infectious that they could lead to increasing numbers of infections even in sunshine and warm temperatures through many contacts and the decreasing vaccination protection. The Minister of Health even thinks it is possible that the corona virus will remain for several decades: “I’m pretty sure that we’ll get an autumn wave. And Corona will keep us busy for a long time after that – a decade or more.”
Don’t just focus on infection numbers
Lauterbach brings the mask requirement and contact restrictions back into play if the numbers go up: “It should be possible to set upper limits for private meetings and public events as well as access rules for restaurants, for example, i.e. 2G or 2G Plus regulations.”
Many who have been looking forward to a carefree summer without a mask should roll their eyes at these statements.
There is no question that the corona virus will continue to cause infections in the coming years, including for many. Science agrees that Corona will probably not go away.
But that’s why you shouldn’t and shouldn’t concentrate on the number of infections. So you should actually always keep the Corona restrictions in the future. And that would not be the case in the long run.
Focus on how we can live with Corona
A policy is now needed from the Ministry of Health, a goal that is being pursued. And how we can lead a normal life again with the corona virus. That seems to be missing so far. There is talk of “basic protective measures”. However, this term still has many question marks.
In the future, an indicator should not be the number of infections, but the hospitalizations – as was actually agreed in a federal-state meeting. Of course, the health system is under additional pressure due to Corona, no question. But there is no threat of collapse at the moment and in the foreseeable future.
Around Germany, the neighboring countries are withdrawing many corona measures – or omitting them altogether, such as Denmark. And so far it seems to be working quite well – despite the high number of infections.
More personal responsibility instead of measures than prevention
If the corona virus really stays for decades, as Karl Lauterbach fears, then we must learn to let it be a part of our lives – like the flu was before the pandemic. Or as Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) put it: “You can’t just restrict millions of basic rights preventively in the long run.” Therefore, constant warnings of high incidences are no longer needed, but a plan on how to live with it anyway.
Of course, caution should not be abandoned completely. When push comes to shove and there is a risk of collapse, the state must be able to react quickly. But in the future you have to rely more on people’s personal responsibility, as Doctor President Klaus Reinhardt told the “Rheinische Post”. The best way to do this is vaccination.
Source: Stern
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
