The anger about Austria's corona policy is growing in Bavaria: too much relaxation, too little protection?
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder sounds the alarm in an interview with our editorial team.
The corona situation is precarious in Austrian Tyrol.
Virus mutations in particular are of concern.
That is why the state has now been declared a restricted zone - which also has an impact on neighboring Bavaria.
In an interview with Münchner Merkur, Prime Minister Markus Söder no longer rules out border closings.
Munich - Markus Söder steps up: The CSU boss criticizes Austrian politics for its opening steps in the corona policy.
He thinks it is “worth discussing that Austria allows extensive openings in this uncertain situation, although the incidence there is significantly higher than in Bavaria,” Söder told our editorial team.
Corona in Bavaria: Söders concern about Tyrol - "This mutation would throw us back again"
"That can lead to a new lockdown within a few weeks and would be exactly what we all don't want: a stop and go." Before Söder, several CSU politicians had warned, sometimes angry, towards Vienna and Innsbruck - largely in vain.
Söder said he was very worried about the virus mutations in general.
“Many virologists fear that the more contagious British variant will catch on with us.
According to experts, however, the South African mutation, which has now been detected in Tyrol, is far more dangerous: the course of the disease is said to be more severe and the resilience to vaccinations higher.
This mutation would throw us back a long way. "
Compared to
Merkur.de
, SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach (the whole interview on Tuesday on Merkur.de) was very concerned: “What Austria is doing here is simply very dangerous for Germany.
Border controls are imperative and closings are the right means if necessary.
We have to keep the South African variant away with all our might, because the current vaccinations are of little help.
I am very concerned that we will find ourselves in a situation that is difficult to control.
Corona in Bavaria: Söder exclusive - "Border closings to Tyrol must not be taboo"
Now it could be “that there is a greater risk of infection for Bavaria from Tyrol again.
Unfortunately, infections were transmitted there while skiing.
Ski slopes are just more dangerous than some people think. ”Söder confirmed that the German side would“ massively increase border controls.
We are in agreement with the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Minister of the Interior. "
Any border traffic for shopping or for tourist purposes must be avoided.
The only exceptions are commuting and absolutely necessary family visits.
Söder: “This is checked more closely with border controls and veil searches.
Should the danger increase, border closings with Tyrol should not be taboo either. "
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Border control between the Tyrolean Kufstein and the German Oberaudorf in Upper Bavaria.
Will the border be closed soon?
© Matthias Balk / dpa
Corona in Bavaria: Criticism of the state government's course - "Unfortunately, it's not over yet"
However, there is an easing debate not only in Austria - but also in Germany, and Söder is right in the middle of it.
There are also voices in the CSU calling for leaner and milder rules.
State Parliament President Ilse Aigner (CSU) recently warned twice about a Bavaria-wide step-by-step plan for easing.
The Munich CSU calls for an end to the curfew in the city;
a call that is aimed primarily at the mayor and the government of Upper Bavaria.
Söder, on the other hand, is very cautious about the relaxation of the Corona rules in Germany.
“The good thing is: Everything worked that we got on the way.
Without the sum of the measures, we would have probably experienced dramatic consequences, ”he said before the summit on Wednesday with Chancellor Merkel.
"The trend gives hope, but unfortunately it's not over yet."
Corona in Bavaria: Söder against "tempting step-by-step plans"
Söder was explicitly opposed to demands that loosening be linked to certain incidences and times.
“Fixed step-by-step plans sound tempting, but can quickly lead to disappointment.
Corona is difficult to plan.
Today everything is fine and tomorrow a hotspot.
So it is wiser to be more careful than reckless. ”Söder said that it would of course be easier“ if the numbers are correct.
Step by step.
The topic of family and children must have priority. "
On Wednesday they will now “talk about primary schools and daycare centers and give them perspectives.
We are sticking to a sensible and cautious course. ”Söder did not show any easing prospects for other types of schools and higher classes.
He warned: "The school must not become a test laboratory: the protection of teachers and students remains the top priority."
(Christian Deutschländer)