The federal and state governments met again for a conference of ministers presidents – for the first time with the new Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Topics included Corona, but also refugee policy.
In his first Bund-Lände meeting as Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz (SPD) discussed a number of topics with his fellow states. However, the main topic on Thursday was Corona. Scholz has pledged joint efforts with the federal states to significantly accelerate the corona vaccinations in Germany. In view of the knowledge about changes in the virus occurrence, it is all the more urgent that as many as possible now get a booster, said the SPD politician in Berlin after consultations with the Prime Minister with a view to the new Omikron variant.
A meeting of the new crisis team with the federal states should take place in the coming week in order to support further vaccination offers, said Scholz. The planned Corona Expert Council should also meet in the next week. The situation should always be followed up to date. It should then be possible for federal and state governments to take decisions at short notice.
Scholz confirmed the goal of achieving up to 30 million first, second and booster vaccinations by the end of the year.
Wüst calls for faster implementation of the mandatory vaccination
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) has called on the new federal government to implement the mandatory vaccination quickly in view of the worsening corona situation. There are scientific doubts that the existing corona protective measures will be sufficient if the Omikron variant continues to spread, said the chairman of the Prime Minister’s Conference (MPK).
The compulsory vaccination in medical facilities and nursing homes to protect particularly vulnerable people must be implemented “as quickly as possible”. The advice on the general compulsory vaccination should not be delayed. Because of the fourth corona wave, speed is needed to protect the elderly in particular. “Vaccination is and will remain the most powerful weapon in the fight against the virus,” said Wüst.
Wüst thanked the new traffic light coalition for tightening the Infection Protection Act and giving the countries more opportunities to protect people. Foresight must continue to prevail. “We have to use the high beam and not just drive on sight,” said the CDU politician.
New infection protection law takes the last hurdles
The new Infection Protection Act, which, among other things, stipulates mandatory vaccination for staff in hospitals and old people’s homes, should clear the last hurdles on Friday: The Bundestag (9 a.m.) will finally discuss it, after which the Federal Council (1 p.m.) should approve it. In the Bundestag debate, the new Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) will give his first speech after taking office.
With the new law, the federal states can also order the closure of clubs and discos, as well as restaurants. In order to accelerate the booster vaccinations, dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists should also be allowed to temporarily administer vaccinations against the coronavirus in the future. In addition to the amendment to the Infection Protection Act, the Bundestag and Bundesrat are deciding on an ordinance that should also allow contact restrictions for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered.
Wüst: The drug strategy could be a second pillar
Wüst also underlined the importance of a joint federal and state strategy for the procurement of corona drugs. It is about the fact that drugs arrive quickly at the patient immediately after a positive corona test, said the NRW Prime Minister. In addition, the pace had to be accelerated with approvals and possibly also drug research in this area should be specifically promoted.
A common drug strategy could be a second pillar in addition to vaccination, in order to prevent particularly severe disease courses and overloading the intensive care units. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has confirmed that. Lauterbach was connected according to information from participants.
More and more corona drugs are being approved and put on the market, said Wüst. “It is always crucial that treatment is given early, not only when people with shortness of breath go to the doctor.” Educational work is necessary for this.
Note: This article has been updated
Source From: Stern
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