Afraid of dangerous corona wave in autumn?
Holetschek presents five-point plan for Bavaria
Created: 05/20/2022, 08:45
By: Tanja Kipke
The Corona situation in Bavaria has largely eased.
The numbers are declining, the measures have been lifted.
Holetschek already has a plan for the fall.
Munich – The corona numbers in the Free State are still falling.
The seven-day incidence as of Friday (May 20) is 405.4.
The worst seems to be over for now, at least until the fall.
Nobody can predict whether a new, more dangerous variant is imminent.
However, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) warned against this.
Bavaria therefore wants to take precautions.
With a five-point plan, Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) wants to arm the Free State for a possible new corona wave in autumn.
Corona in Bavaria: Holetschek wants to fight the autumn wave with a five-point plan
"In the event of a new wave of pandemics, there must be the best possible protection," emphasized Holetschek on Friday when presenting his corona concept.
"It is understandable that citizens are looking forward to more 'normality' and a breather this summer in view of the declining number of infections," said Holetschek and emphasized: "Our precautions for autumn should not spoil this joy, but on the contrary support it. Bavaria relies on a triad of freedom, personal responsibility and solidarity.
Holetschek wants to arm himself with a five-point plan for the fall.
His plan includes these points:
Expansion of corona early detection and monitoring
Promotion of corona vaccinations
Continuation of a test concept
Strengthening of clinic and nursing capacities
Permanent strengthening of the health authorities
In the past few weeks, the cabinet has discussed intensively with experts from science and practice as well as with mayors and district administrators what steps are necessary to prepare the Free State for the fall.
These are now being implemented step by step.
"At the same time, we are continuing to coordinate the necessary measures with the other federal states and with the federal government." A clear federal legal framework for protective measures is needed.
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Corona early warning system should come
In concrete terms, Holetschek himself plans to set up an efficient early warning system under the direction of the State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL).
The project for sequencing coronavirus variants is to be expanded, as is the network of selected medical practices that monitor the spread of respiratory infections.
And the wastewater monitoring for corona detection is also to be expanded.
"With these three modules, we have a broad system for forecasting the course of infection."
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The vaccination centers are to be retained and can be ramped up quickly if necessary.
"Because one thing is clear: vaccinations are still the best protection against serious illnesses," said Holetschek.
In good time before the fall, they want to advertise the vaccination again.
The pandemic central warehouse for the supply of protective equipment and medical devices should continue to be maintained.
Corona in Bavaria: Holetschek calls for free citizen tests even after June
Holetschek demands from the federal government that the Corona Test Ordinance be extended "sensibly".
"Preventive tests in facilities such as care facilities or hospitals, but also tests when an infection with the coronavirus is suspected, are still key to curbing the infection process," he said.
In addition, the federal government should continue to enable free citizen tests “at least for our youngest and oldest beyond June”.
In addition, it must be ensured that even with a new wave of the pandemic, people with symptoms can be tested quickly and easily.
"Therefore, the federal government should ensure the financing of combined test and vaccination centers," he demanded.
Holetschek wants to strengthen the hospital and care capacities - and continue the system of the so-called hospital coordinators in the future, regardless of the declaration of a disaster.
He also wants to extend the work of the contact tracing forces made available to the health authorities until at least mid-2023.
(tkip/dpa)
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