Reinhardt: “We need alternatives to the permanent lockdown in Germany”

23.03.2021 15:22

Regarding the current decisions of the Federal Chancellor and the heads of government of the federal states, Federal Medical Association President Dr. Klaus Reinhardt:

“We have to flatten the beginning of the third wave now to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed. The measures adopted by the federal and state governments can help. Ultimately, however, it depends on the responsible actions of each individual. Studies show that infections occur almost exclusively indoors and during prolonged unprotected contact without a medical mask, in private settings or at work. The widespread use of rapid corona tests can provide real relief here.”

According to Reinhardt, partial opening of social life could also be possible if sufficient rapid tests were available. He cited the combined testing and opening strategies from Tübingen and Rostock as positive examples. “The federal and state governments should promote, evaluate and adapt such projects to gradually open up social life for other regions. They would be a real alternative to the grueling yo-yo permanent lockdowns in Germany.”

In addition, the available vaccine doses should be administered quickly and - if at all - significantly reduced reserves should be held back for the second vaccination. In view of the delivery quantities promised by the federal government from the second quarter of 2021, sufficient capacity should be available for the second vaccination.

Reinhardt continued: “We should also discuss whether greater use of digital movement data for contact tracking should be accepted in order to be able to combat the pandemic more effectively.”