The health department of Berlin’s Mitte district is investigating German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach over a possible violation of the country’s corona isolation regulations. A district spokesman told the AFP news agency on Friday that a total of five reports against Lauterbach had been received by the medical officer or health department. These are now being prosecuted. First, the “world” reported online.
The health department recently contacted the office of the health minister and asked for an opinion on the allegations, the spokesman said. However, no response has been received yet. Lauterbach had tested positive for the coronavirus on August 4, so he was temporarily performing his official duties from domestic isolation.
On Twitter, the quadruple vaccinated first wrote about “mild” and later about “stronger symptoms than expected”.
Back to work too soon?
After six days, on August 10, Lauterbach attended another cabinet meeting. The day before, he’d tweeted that things were slowly getting better – and went on to write, “Hope the recovery will be quick.” He told ARD the same day that he was negative again, but not feeling quite well.
The Corona regulation of the state of Berlin only provides for the premature termination of the ten-day isolation requirement if the infected person has been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
PCR test showed: no longer contagious
A spokesperson for the health ministry said on request that the health ministry had contacted the ministry weeks ago. At the time, the agency received the same information as the public about the isolation period and test results from the minister. Lauterbach underwent a PCR test five working days after he was found to be infected. The CT value of the test was well above 30 and thus indicated that the test was no longer contagious at that time.
Before leaving isolation on Aug. 10, three rapid tests were negative and Lauterbach had been symptom-free for more than 48 hours. “Because the minister wanted to be sure that he was no longer contagious,” he also confirmed the rapid tests with a PCR test. “According to our information, the case is over for the health department,” the BMG said.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.