The Ministry of Health and Justice are currently discussing how measures will continue after September 23 to keep the corona virus under control.
Washington/Berlin – During a trip to the US, SPD Health Minister Karl Lauterbach spoke out clearly in favor of continuing the corona measures in order to prevent a “catastrophic” corona situation in autumn and winter. He said that in an interview with the German Press Agency (dpa) .
“If we went into autumn like we are now, without further protective measures, without masks, without anything, that would mean that the number of cases would rise sharply, but the intensive care units would also be overloaded,” warned the health expert in Washington DC on Thursday In addition, Lauterbach announced that, in cooperation with the FDP-led Ministry of Justice, in the coming weeks it would decide to continue the measures that have been in force so far, which will expire on September 23.
Corona situation in autumn and winter: negotiations on new measures are ongoing
A renewed uncontrolled spread of the virus is not only necessary because of the possible development of new variants, as Lauterbach warned, but also because with a massive increase in the number of cases in autumn and winter, large staff shortages in health and care facilities would have to be expected again: “That’s how a candle that burns at both ends,” says Lauterbach. The staff burn away downstairs and the patients upstairs.
For Lauterbach, however, there is no question that Germany will be prepared for the third Corona fall and winter: confidential negotiations with the Ministry of Justice are already underway. The ministries are clear that measures are still needed.
Corona vaccination: Lauterbach advises older people to take a second booster before the start of autumn
With a view to the second booster vaccination, Lauterbach warned: “The elderly cannot take the risk of waiting for an adapted vaccine, which will come sometime in September or October, given the high number of cases that we now have.” With that he overran everyone 60-year-olds to make an appointment for a fourth vaccination as soon as possible. In mid-July, Lauterbach even recommended a second booster vaccination for everyone, in contradiction to the Stiko.
Health Minister Lauterbach is currently traveling in the United States to discuss issues such as combating the corona virus with health professionals such as US Health Advisor Anthony Fauci. On Friday he will give a speech at the elite Harvard University in Massachusetts and visit a production facility of the vaccine manufacturer Moderna in the same state. (ska with dpa)
