Jens Spahn on the current coronavirus situation: "We are in a national emergency"

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The acting Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn

Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / AFP

While the Federal Council is discussing the changed protection against infection, the Executive Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) once again emphasized the seriousness of the corona situation.

At a press conference with the President of the Robert Koch Institute Lothar Wieler, Spahn said: "We are in a national emergency".

The 4th wave will not be broken with vaccinations and boosters alone.

Therefore, additional contact restrictions, such as a "lockdown for unvaccinated people" are necessary.

When asked whether he would also rule out a lockdown for unvaccinated people - as in Austria - in Germany, Spahn replied: "We are in a situation where we shouldn't rule anything out."

Spahn also spoke about the transfer of high-risk patients between hospitals within Germany.

In Bavaria, only three percent of the intensive care beds are free.

People would also have to be relocated over longer distances, possibly also abroad, explained Spahn.

"That's difficult"

"That was a week of decisions," said Spahn, referring to the amendment of the Infection Protection Act and the Prime Minister's Conference.

Citizen tests are now also given free of charge by ordinance.

Now it is a matter of implementing these decisions.

"We were all hoping for another winter through the vaccinations," said Spahn.

Unfortunately, things turned out differently now.

"That's difficult".

It is frustrating.

"All of Germany is one big outbreak," Wieler said afterwards.

"We all can and must now take countermeasures."

It is no longer enough to close vaccination gaps and implement 2G.

Wieler advised avoiding contacts and meetings indoors.

The following applies now: "If possible: stay at home".

Thousands of people were infected every day.

"This bucket of water has been poured out."

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