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Jens Spahn during a visit to the Bundeswehr on Friday
Photo: SINA SCHULDT / POOL / EPA
The overall incidence in Germany is below 100 for the first time. Now, Health Minister Jens Spahn has outlined further possible opening steps in a letter to his country colleagues.
In the letter that is available to the German Press Agency and on which the »Süddeutsche Zeitung« previously reported, Spahn advocates a mix of »confidence and prudence«.
“Together we seem to succeed in breaking the third wave.
But the number of infections is still too high, ”he writes.
"If too much is loosened too quickly and mutual caution diminishes, there are enormous risks for another sharp increase in the number of infections," warned the minister.
"What must absolutely be avoided is a political race to relax, especially in the election year," added the CDU politician.
In the past few days, several federal states had decided on their own opening plans.
It is about "building a bridge over the second quarter into the summer and securing it," writes Spahn.
Intensive testing is necessary in all areas.
That is the basis for gradual openings.
"The end of the bridge has been reached when we have been able to increase the vaccination rates in such a way that unvaccinated people can no longer cause any infection dynamics that could endanger the health system," emphasized Spahn.
Spahn formulates rules of thumb in the fight against infections
The minister formulated "rules of thumb" in his letter.
So it is ten times as safe outside as inside.
Half as many people in the room reduced the risk of infection to a quarter.
Masks and testing for everyone also made the family reunion inside much safer for everyone.
With a seven-day incidence of less than 100 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, according to Spahn, private meetings should only take place with another household in the coming weeks and taking protective measures into account.
In schools, two negative tests per week should be a prerequisite for participation in face-to-face classes.
Outdoor catering should be possible with a daily negative test and secure contact tracking or for vaccinated and convalescent people "ideally with prior appointment", while indoor catering should remain "absolutely closed".
Spahn wants to open retail, museums and body-friendly services - with a daily negative test, for vaccinated and convalescent people and in compliance with the mask requirement.
According to the »Süddeutscher Zeitung«, contact sports should be possible outside, contactless sports inside too - each with a completed vaccination or current test and the possibility of contact tracking.
From Spahn's point of view, there may be further openings if the seven-day incidence in individual regions falls below 50 for more than five consecutive days, provided that at least 28 days have passed since the incidence fell below 100.
Then, under certain conditions, indoor catering, indoor culture and hotels could reopen again.
slü / dpa
