Timo Lenzen / DER SPIEGEL
Dear readers,
wat heb wi laughs, wat heb wi roars: After hours of negotiating marathon on new corona resolutions, our top politicians actually sit down and present a sheet of paper that looks like a child has let off steam at the ink pen.
The so-called step-by-step plan, which is intended to be illustrated: A jumble of rules and downgrades that no one understands anymore.
Isn't that easier?
No, it doesn't work.
Some developments this week are justifiably appalling.
For example, the fact that a task force is only now being set up to procure rapid tests.
And then you hand them over to Jens Spahn and Andreas Scheuer.
Ironically, Spahn!
Ironically, Scheuer!
The - even more so than Spahn - as Minister of Transport mainly produces breakdown after breakdown.
By the summer after next, the two of them will have everything under control with the rapid tests, for sure.
But laughing at the step-by-step plan across the board and calling for a simple rule is irritating.
The simple variant is: open or close.
For weeks, Germany has been complaining about excessive restrictions and calling for tailor-made solutions for individual areas that take spatial conditions and the risk of infection into account.
But that inevitably results in a complicated concept that can then be exhausting to penetrate.
Sorry!
The mockery of the colorful picture only reveals that many people still do not understand the complexity of the pandemic.
The real problem with the current regulations is very different.
In terms of new infections, we are currently at about the same level as in October 2020 - before the number of cases exploded.
The much more contagious British mutant B.1.1.7 has long since spread in Germany.
And just under three percent of the population have so far been fully vaccinated with two doses.
The new SPIEGEL, now digital, tomorrow at the kiosk
Deciding to open at all in this situation is a risky bet, especially on the weather.
There are indications that this could have a positive effect on the infection process.
But no one knows whether that can compensate for the other factors.
In a few weeks at the latest, we will know whether the gamble has paid off - or whether we need simple solutions again.
»Gender-appropriate language - is that still German? The Kulturkampf over the starlets «is the title of the new SPIEGEL. You
will
receive the digital copy from now on
and from Saturday at the kiosk.
We loosen up:
Scientists warn of Corona-yo-yo: At the beginning of April we will
start all over again From Monday, the federal and state governments
will again
grant the population more freedom.
Experts expect the next wave of infections.
Your last hope: masses of rapid antigen tests.
But where are they?
New strategy: The federal and state governments have agreed on these rules.
With a step-by-step plan, the federal and state governments
are taking
a new path in the fight against the corona pandemic.
There are now prospects for retail and outdoor catering, albeit depending on the infection rate.
Reconstruction of the corona surrender: Nine hours of stress, quarrel and chaos
loosening despite the increasing number of infections: After tough negotiations, the federal and state governments are breaking with the logic of the previous pandemic fight.
How did it come about and what follows from it?
The SPIEGEL analysis.
Corona resolutions:
Feeling beats reason
The new Corona resolutions show: Chancellor Angela Merkel and the country leaders have capitulated.
Before the dynamic of infection, before public pressure, before your own failure.
Resolutions by the federal and state governments: Do you understand the Corona step-by-step plan?
The corona opening steps can be read on one page: That may be compact - but is it also clear and understandable, as it is called in politics?
See and decide for yourself.
Measures against corona: mask in the park - does that make sense?
Germany is probably facing a third corona wave that will primarily affect younger people.
So politicians come up with new rules.
But the result doesn't always make sense.
Relaxation at schools: »Dangerous sham security«
Testing, vaccinating, testing, vaccinating: The federal and state governments are raising high expectations with their concept for further school openings.
Practitioners fear that these cannot be redeemed.
Icon: enlarge
Domestic violence in the corona crisis:
emergency call from the children's room
Photo: ucpage / iStockphoto / Getty Images
Hope quick test / self-test
Change in the test strategy: the rapid tests are coming - what you need to know now
Despite the increasing number of infections and highly contagious mutants, the government wants to relax the corona measures.
Can strategically used rapid tests cushion the opening steps?
Corona news on Wednesday: Corona self-tests in stores from Saturday
In the corona crisis, rapid tests for self-use will be available for free for the first time from the weekend.
And: the Czech Republic asks China for a vaccine.
The overview on March 3rd.
Corona measures: "No Covid" initiative proposes test strategy for openings
Some federal states are pushing
for openings
despite increasing incidences and the spread of mutants.
Scientists urge not to loosen up without safeguarding concepts.
Fight against the corona pandemic: rapid tests should soon be available in retail stores
Large retailers are planning the free sale of corona rapid tests for self-use.
Two large drugstore chains want to get started next week.
Covid-19 in worldwide numbers
Confirmed Cases: 115,618,018
Deaths: 2,569,442
Recovered from the disease: 65,383,259
Germany: 2,482,522 confirmed patients, 71,504 deaths
Sources: CSSE / Johns Hopkins University, as of March 5, 2021, 7:25 a.m.
Robert Koch Institute, as of March 5, 2021, 3:10 a.m.
Research news
New study on seasonal infection numbers: What influence does the weather have on the spread of the coronavirus,
scientists are calling for data on temperature, humidity and wind speed to be included in pandemic modeling.
In this way, measures could be planned better and more long-term.
Changed recommendations: Why older
people
should be vaccinated
with AstraZeneca after all. People aged 65 and over should now be protected with AstraZeneca after the German vaccination commission was initially against it.
What has changed?
And what do those affected need to know?
Vaccines from AstraZeneca and Biontech / Pfizer: British study proves high effectiveness after first dose
Figures from Great Britain show that hospital stays of the
very old have decreased
by around 80 percent after the first corona vaccination.
Mortality also fell.
What else was important
Germany in shutdown: Mobility rises almost to pre-Corona level
Cell phone data paint a precise picture of mobility in the country.
At the end of February, people in this country were traveling almost as much as in 2019 - in some federal states even more at times.
Full steam ahead despite the shutdown: The uncanny strength of the German economy
While the economy crashed brutally in the first Corona wave, the factories will be running almost at full capacity again in 2021 - and thus also limit Germany's welfare losses.
Why is that?
Luca, Recover, Barcov: Do we need a new app when the restaurants reopen?
There is currently a lot of talk about the app Luca by rapper Smudo.
It is just one of several check-in platforms for restaurants and bars after the lockdown.
The most important questions and answers.
Have a nice weekend
Yours Michail Hengstenberg
What you need to know about the virus
We have put together all the answers to the most important questions about the coronavirus for you here.
You can find more current developments at SPIEGEL.de.
