Decision paper for the Corona summit
Rule tightenings are probably off the table
01/23/2022, 5:13 p.m
The peak of the omicron wave has not yet been reached. But despite steeply increasing incidences, the federal and state governments will probably not agree on tightening the rules tomorrow. Instead, the draft resolution even mentions an “opening perspective” for the first time.
Despite the swelling omicron wave in Germany, the federal and state governments are apparently not planning any further tightening of the corona measures. In a draft resolution for tomorrow’s round of Prime Ministers, which is available to ntv.de, it says that the Federal Chancellor and the heads of government of the federal states “are confident that the further continuation of the currently existing measures offers a realistic chance that Germany will come through the Omicron wave well “. According to ntv information, the paper comes from the Chancellery. With reference to the recommendations of the Expert Council, the federal and state governments agree to “consistently” continue the current course. The next meeting is scheduled for mid-February.
According to the paper, there will initially be no easing either, but at the same time an “opening perspective” should be developed. This should take effect for the moment “at which an overload of critical infrastructure in general and the health system in particular can be ruled out”. It should start with major outdoor events.
According to the draft, the federal and state governments should decide on these points in detail:
- the vaccination campaign should be strengthened. The paper states that there is enough vaccine for all citizens.
- Because Bottlenecks in PCR tests access to the complex procedure should be restricted: mainly only so-called vulnerable groups (e.g. older and immunocompromised people) as well as nurses, doctors and other employees in clinics, practices and care facilities should be tested using the PCR method. In the rest of the population, suspected corona should only be checked with the help of rapid antigen tests in the future. If necessary, several tests from different manufacturers should be used.
- About the changes in the national testing strategy and the test regulation, Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach will present a proposal in a timely manner. The draft resolution states that he must ensure that the certificate of convalescence status is legally and tamper-proof.
- With the regulations for the shortening of quarantine and isolation The federal and state governments are following the suggestions of the Robert Koch Institute and the Ministry of Health. Isolation after a proven infection ends after seven days using a certified rapid antigen test. Without a test, it ends after ten days. For the quarantine of contact persons, a free test through a negative antigen test is also possible after seven days. Boosted, newly vaccinated and recovered do not have to be in quarantine. The same rules should apply to health workers as to the general population.
- Changes in the validity of Vaccination and recovery status should be announced in good time in the future.
- In the contact tracing the health authorities nationwide should focus on vulnerable groups. Infected citizens are asked to inform their contacts on their own responsibility.