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Saskia Esken (archive image)
Photo: M. Popow / imago images / Metodi Popow
In Germany - also with a view to the rapid spread of the Omikron variant of the coronavirus - the debate about a possible general vaccination requirement is ongoing.
According to SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken, such an obligation should apply to all adults in Germany.
"I think a vaccination is required from the age of 18," Esken told the newspapers of the Funke media group.
"The corona virus is particularly life-threatening for the elderly, but the long-term consequences also affect younger people."
Anyone who does not get vaccinated is committing an administrative offense that should be fined.
"Overall, it is about achieving a vaccination quota that protects society as a whole - especially those who cannot be vaccinated."
At the same time Esken spoke out against an omicron lockdown for vaccinated persons and against school closings.
"We think that restaurants, cultural institutions and retail outlets should stay open for vaccinated people if possible," says Esken.
It is true that the number of persons admitted can be further restricted.
"But hopefully we don't have to shut the country down again to provide the necessary protection."
Despite the feared increase in the number of infections caused by the Omikron variant, it is her top priority to keep the schools open.
Otherwise not only would there be a lack of lessons, but also communication with one another.
On January 7th, the federal and state governments will discuss further corona measures.
Omikron detected mainly in northern Germany
In the north of Germany in particular, the new Omikron variant has so far been quite widespread in a nationwide comparison.
Measured by the size of the population, Hamburg is by far the most affected by Omikron.
Bremen and Schleswig-Holstein came in second and third.
The nationwide incidence is currently 205.5, with experts assuming an underreporting due to the holidays.
Because while the overall incidence is still falling, the next wave is building up in the background.
In neighboring countries such as France and Great Britain, significantly higher values have recently been recorded, along with the increasing spread of Omikron.
The experts assume that Omikron is likely to replace the previously prevalent delta variant in Germany as well.
This has already happened in other industrialized countries, including the United States.
jok / Reuters
