German Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach estimates that the number of actual daily corona infections in Germany currently rises to 400,000. You have to take into account an unreported number of new infections by a factor of three to four, the SPD politician said on Friday. The development is not good at the moment, Lauterbach said in view of the increasing numbers of corona patients in hospitals. According to him, the Munich Oktoberfest is responsible for the current image.
However, he does not expect a new national emergency. Many people have been vaccinated and could continue to be vaccinated. Drugs such as Paxlovid are also available.
Mask appeal to federal states
Lauterbach called on the states to make face masks compulsory indoors, because it was foreseeable that the number of infections and thus hospital admissions would continue to rise in the coming weeks. “Bavaria and Munich have a special obligation when it comes to the question of what to do about the indoor mask requirement,” he added, referring to the high number of infections after Oktoberfest.
Criticism of the Oktoberfest in Munich
After the end of the Oktoberfest, the number of infections in Munich rose sharply and clinics reported problems. Lauterbach said, “Now we have to look ahead. It doesn’t help to chase after it.” At the same time, he confirmed: “Of course the Oktoberfest, as it was done, was a bad idea.”
“You should have warned”
It would have been difficult to cancel due to the lack of a legal basis. “But could or could it have been better? Of course the answer is yes.” For example, one should have warned: “Who should come, who should not come,” Lauterbach said, for example, of people with previous illnesses.
The minimum would have been to offer everyone a self-test upon entry or, better yet, provide proof of the test. Regardless of the Infection Protection Act, you can of course make specifications at any time within the framework of the domestic law for visiting an event or restaurant.
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.
