The spread of the new version of COVID-19 "Omicron" in European countries increases the pressure on politicians in Germany. Therefore, the federal government and representatives of the provincial authorities will discuss how to proceed in the situation at a special meeting on Tuesday. It was agreed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (GSDP) and North Rhine-Westphalia Prime Minister Hendrik Wust (CDU), who is also chairing the ministerial conference, according to the national daily Die Zeit.
The aim is to discuss preparatory measures for the protection of critical infrastructure and other measures to reduce contacts, which aim to protect the health system from impending congestion. The expert council previously recommended quick additional restrictions on contacts, the publication recalls.
Information has already appeared in the media from government circles that the maximum number of visitors to indoor events can be halved from the currently allowed 50 people. The same measure will be applied to open gatherings (currently 200 people). Closure of clubs is also being considered. According to the report, the restrictions are expected to take effect only after the holidays.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach ruled out a lockdown before Christmas. Over the weekend, however, there were growing calls for early consultations between federal and regional authorities. "We need a common strategy against Omicron," Wust said. The Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann ("Greens"), said he was "very concerned" about the situation in the country.
In early December, federal and regional officials agreed, among other things, to strict contact restrictions for unvaccinated people. "At the same time, the vaccination campaign needs to be significantly stepped up," experts now say. Booster vaccinations should be continued and accelerated further during the holidays by all available means.
Omicron is spreading rapidly in European countries. A new, stricter lockdown is being introduced in the Netherlands today; Denmark also closes much of its public life. According to experts, national and international models of infection dynamics and possible peak cases show a "new quality of the pandemic".
To slow the spread of Omicron in Germany, the federal government has restricted entry from the UK and classified the country as a viral zone - the most risky category. A two-week quarantine applies to those entering the country, including those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered. It cannot be shortened even by presenting negative tests.
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