Relaxation would be “out of place”
Lauterbach now agrees to PCR tests for everyone
2/8/2022 1:22 p.m
Are they enough, aren’t they enough? After access to PCR tests was to be restricted, the Federal Minister of Health changed his position again. Debates about easing the corona measures would come too early. RKI boss Wieler enjoys his trust, Lauterbach counters FDP criticism.
Contrary to previous plans, citizens are now entitled to a post-PCR test after a positive rapid corona test. At a joint press conference with RKI boss Lothar Wieler, Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach spoke of a “change in position” when asked by ntv.de. According to new models, the existing capacity for PCR tests is sufficient as long as a daily number of 450,000 new corona infections is not exceeded. “And I don’t think we will achieve that.”
In a draft for an amendment to the Corona Test Ordinance, which became known a few days ago, it was still planned to initially suspend the right to a follow-up test after a positive self-test or quick test at a test station. This would have made it harder for those who were ill to get proof of recovery. The reason for the change was reports about the shortage of PCR test capacities.
However, according to Lauterbach, it remains the case that in the future laboratories should give priority to examining samples from risk groups, employees in clinics, practices, in nursing and in facilities and services for integration assistance for people with disabilities. Other samples are lagging behind, so the results could possibly take longer. According to the Minister of Health, the change in the test regulation is planned for this week.
Opening debates too early?
Lauterbach clearly rejected calls for the corona restrictions to be relaxed. He still expects the omicron wave to peak in the middle of this month. “We cannot advocate broad easing, as they are currently being discussed, at this point in time.” The discussion is out of place, rapid openings could significantly lengthen the wave. Lauterbach warned that jeopardizing a “functioning, successful strategy” unnecessarily could not be the goal. He reiterated his assessment that there could be easing in the medium term: “Of course we will be able to open well before Easter.”
Despite the very high number of corona infections in Germany, the President of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Lothar Wieler, also spoke of positive developments. “I am optimistic that we will soon have survived the omicron wave, even if the peak of the wave has not yet been reached,” said Wieler. Compared to the previous Delta variant, a smaller proportion of those infected at Omikron became seriously ill, said Wieler. There is an increase in hospital admissions, but this is comparatively small. In the past seven days, 1.2 million Sars-CoV-2 cases have been transmitted to the RKI, which is around ten percent of all cases registered in the pandemic.
According to the RKI boss, it is too early to give the all-clear: So far, younger people in particular have been infected, while the incidence among older people has only gradually increased. The high number of unvaccinated people over the age of 60 continues to cause concern. Wieler called for the contagion to be slowed down in order to protect vulnerable groups and critical infrastructure. “In a few weeks we have survived the omicron wave. Let’s stay calm and mindful and attentive. And then we can look forward to Easter in a relaxed manner,” he said
Backing for Wieler
Lauterbach again rejected calls from the ranks of the FDP, which co-governs in the federal government, to remove Wieler. “Mr. Wieler has my full confidence,” said the SPD minister. “The FDP: I’ll leave that uncommented.” The decisive factor is “that we work well together”; the renewed joint appearance is therefore “a demonstration of this cooperation”. Wieler also took the criticism of his person in a sporty way: “It’s my birthday today and I’m lucky enough to be celebrating my 61st birthday with you today,” said Wieler in the direction of the assembled press representatives. “What could be nicer? We’ve grown so fond of each other.”
The FDP chairman Christian Lindner had previously reiterated his party’s criticism of the Robert Koch Institute’s decision to shorten the convalescent status in the “RTL Direkt” program, thereby increasing the pressure on Wieler. Lindner said on Monday evening that he had “great doubts” about this decision – which was as unannounced as it was surprising. Before Lindner, the designated FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai had personally criticized the RKI boss in “Spiegel”: “Due to this recent misconduct, which unfortunately is not an isolated case, Mr. Wieler can no longer be sure of the trust of the FDP. “