Timo Lenzen / DER SPIEGEL
Dear readers,
Germany has a problem.
The seven-day incidence is currently high again, but willingness to be vaccinated is low.
The current vaccination rate is around 65 percent, too little to be prepared for autumn and winter, when experience shows that the numbers will continue to rise.
The United States has a similar, albeit even greater, problem. There, the population's willingness to vaccinate is stagnating at an even lower level, while many Republican governors have lifted corona restrictions. The number of cases is exploding, and in many places the health system is on the verge of collapse. The virologist and presidential advisor Anthony Fauci has commented on the situation in the country. "The virus is nowhere near under control and remains a threat to public health," he said.
So it's no wonder that US President Joe Biden is now putting the thumbscrews on those who refuse to be vaccinated.
While in this country, in view of models like 2G, there is fear of mandatory vaccination through the back door, the US president kicks in the front door and bargains companies, authorities and care facilities to vaccinate their employees.
In Germany, shortly before the federal election, no top politician wants to position himself so clearly.
Nevertheless, there are increasing signs that, in view of Germany's reluctance to vaccinate and the increasing number of cases, patience is dwindling: The demand by Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) to remove wage replacement benefits for unvaccinated workers in quarantine is a clear indication of this.
Either way, we will probably head for a two-class society by winter at the latest.
Because there is one point in politics that is pretty clear: there will be no further lockdown for those who have been vaccinated.
Epidemiologically, this is understandable: If Corona is at most as dangerous as a cold for healthy vaccinated people - why should you expect such restrictions?
For unvaccinated people, however, it should become uncomfortable at the latest after the election - even if there is no compulsory vaccination in Germany in the future.
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The reluctance to vaccinate and its consequences
Vaccination campaign: RKI warns of a “brilliant course” of the fourth wave
The intensive care bed occupancy has almost doubled in the past two weeks: If the vaccinations do not increase, it looks very bad, according to the head of the RKI.
Health Minister Spahn therefore announced a vaccination week.
Impetus for the vaccination campaign: Now it's about the bratwurst!
Twelve percent of Germans would still have to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity by autumn.
That doesn't sound like much, but politics has lost a lot of trust and time.
Too much of?
RKI weekly report: In the east, vaccination rates are particularly low
"We cannot go into autumn with this quota": Virologist Christian Drosten criticizes the lame corona vaccination campaign.
According to the RKI report, figures from Saxony, Brandenburg and Thuringia are particularly worrying.
Warning from the Eastern Commissioner: Will the East soon have a corona problem?
In the east, the corona incidences are currently comparatively low - despite the low vaccination rate.
If current trends continue, the region could soon turn into the red.
Is it the turn of the children now?
Corona protection for children: Biontech founders expect vaccine for five to eleven year olds in a few weeks
"We are already preparing the production," says Biontech founder Özlem Türeci to SPIEGEL.
The company will quickly apply for approval - and is already planning the next steps.
First country in the world: Cuba starts Covid-19 vaccinations for young children
Cuba is the first country in the world to vaccinate children under the age of twelve against Covid-19 across the board.
Which vaccines are used?
And what is known about them?
The overview.
Missing data: Pediatricians are critical of corona vaccinations for children under the age of twelve
As long as there is no Stiko recommendation, doctors strictly advise against corona vaccinations for children under twelve.
Instead, they see the many unvaccinated adults responsible.
Protection for mother and child: Stiko recommends corona vaccination for all pregnant women
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of a severe course of Covid-19.
The Standing Vaccination Commission has now reacted and is in favor of having them vaccinated regardless of previous illnesses.
Escalation in the US
New corona rules in the USA: Joe Biden declares war on unvaccinated people
The US President must finally contain the pandemic - and take action: with prescribed vaccinations, drastic penalties for refusers and even more tests.
The Republicans are indignant and want to sue.
Virus expert Fauci on Corona in the USA: "The virus is nowhere near under control"
Autumn is approaching, the number of cases is increasing - at the same time the vaccinations are stagnating: The USA is threatened with a renewed escalation of the Covid situation.
Virologist Anthony Fauci now found clear words.
Calls for help from US clinics: "Everyone here is not vaccinated"
There are more Covid patients and corona-related deaths in US intensive care units.
The reason: Too many people do not get vaccinated.
Clinic staff are now posting dramatic videos of their day-to-day work.
Covid-19 in worldwide numbers
Confirmed Cases: 223,204,222
Deaths: 4,606,035
Germany: 4,059,081 confirmed patients, 92,553 deaths
Sources: CSSE / Johns Hopkins University, as of September 10, 2021, 10:21 am;
Robert Koch Institute, as of September 10, 2021, 3.14 a.m.
Research news
Corona pandemic: India approves the world's first DNA vaccine
It is given under the skin without a needle - India granted emergency approval to the world's first DNA vaccine during the pandemic.
What can it do and how does it work?
DAK special analysis: This is how the pandemic affects the health of children
Eating disorders, behavioral problems, severe overweight or underweight: the effects of the corona measures are sometimes more dangerous for children's health than Covid-19 itself.
Study in Australia: How Delta Spreads in Schools and Daycare Centers
Professionals have studied coronavirus outbreaks in schools and childcare facilities in Australia.
They found the highest infection rates among adults.
Data from Israel: Corona vaccinations for pregnant women effective and safe
In Germany there is still no vaccination recommendation for pregnant women.
Data from Israel now suggest that their vaccinations are as safe and effective as the general population.
What else was important
Moving away from incidence: which numbers are now important in the pandemic
The seven-day incidence has had its day, the measures should be based on a large number of new numbers from now on.
Which they are and why it is risky to forego the incidence.
The overview.
Suspected vaccination breakthrough: At least 26 new infections in Münster after a party under 2G conditions
Vaccination breakthrough in the previous corona model city of Münster?
After a party in a local club, 26 visitors have been infected so far.
All are said to have been vaccinated or recovered according to their own information.
Court decision: Obligation to test for non-vaccinated people is "in all probability" lawful
In Mannheim, an unvaccinated woman failed with her urgent application against corona measures.
She argued that testing evidence of her participation in public life was disproportionate.
Spahn increases pressure on refusers: Unvaccinated people face loss of wages in the event of quarantine
Until now, anyone who cannot work due to official quarantine has received a wage replacement - regardless of their vaccination status.
This could change soon.
Have a nice weekend
Yours Michail Hengstenberg
