Easter holidays in Corona times: Ore Mountains instead of Mallorca

Oberwiesenthal wants to come out of the confinement and receive guests again as soon as possible, even if the incidence figures are high. Innkeepers, hoteliers, and merchants want to help test tourists.

It is very quiet these days on the Fichtelberg in the Metallic Mountains. On a weekend like this, with lots of snow and sun, it would be packed with skiers, cross-country skiers and sleds on the highest peak in East Germany. But this winter is a disastrous winter despite good weather conditions. Because the guests are missing.

Kristin becker
ARD capital study

@kbecker

For more than four months, Jens Weißflog has been waiting to finally be able to open again. The hotel, which the former ski jumper runs with his wife, is located on the hillside with a fantastic view of the valley. The new extension is almost finished, but everything here, not just the street, is frozen over: the beds have been removed, the chairs have been put in, and the relaxation room with a panoramic view is incredibly quiet. The hotel was closed for seven of the last twelve months – crown closure.

In the first round, in the spring of 2020, the Weißflogs took out a loan, now it only works with the help of the crown. “These are conditions that make you a little desperate every day,” says Weißflog, “especially since there is no correct perspective.” He has less and less understanding of Corona policy in the state and federal government, because although shutdowns have been made over and over again, “a solution has never been discussed.” The fact that the flyers for holidays to Mallorca are full, but you do not know if it will be allowed to open at Easter, is incomprehensible to you, that is “double standards”.

Project “Covid.Ex”: model testing in Oberwiesenthal

Weißflog has high hopes for a project that several local entrepreneurs have been promoting since the end of last year. Oberwiesenthal should finally reopen, despite the seven-day high incidence. In the district, it is currently well above 100, that is, the limit beyond which the emergency brake decided by the federal government takes effect. There is a lot of resentment that the small relaxation of the last few weeks will be reversed and schools and nurseries will now have to close again.

In Oberwiesenthal, the seven-day incidence is even 385. In fact, there are eight new infections this week. Because Oberwiesenthal only has around 2000 inhabitants, a single case immediately has an extreme effect on the stats. Therefore, many consider it an incorrect approach to focus only on pure incidence figures. Instead, Oberwiesenthal, together with Augustusburg, will become one of two model cities in Saxony where hotels, restaurants, shops and leisure facilities will be allowed to reopen. Perhaps even completely independent of the incidence. Tourism will intensify again on a trial basis. And as soon as possible, according to Erik Schulze and the other project partners.

Schulze is actually an event manager. But instead of organizing tours of the Fichtelberg, he currently manages the “Covid.Ex” project. It is about, he says, “finding constructive solutions in this pandemic.” The idea of ​​the model project: test, test, test. And control. Guests can register prior to arrival, upload a current certified quick proof online, and then arrive. You will receive a QR code digitally or on paper, which is supposed to be a kind of entry ticket for more than 60 companies in the city. This should not only allow you to go back to the shops, but also, for example, to eat in a restaurant; With freezing temperatures in the mountains, it’s a tempting idea.

Drive-in style test center

The technology for this is provided by IT service provider Theed Technology. It is based on a system that has been developed for a long time and until now has been used for Formula 1 tickets or football tickets. No additional application is necessary. The QR code of registered guests is simply scanned in shops or restaurants using a small device or smartphone. Anyone who’s there longer has to retest at least every three days to keep their “ticket” up-to-date, that’s the plan at the moment, perhaps more often if authorities dictate, Schulze explains.

Hoteliers and merchants also want to help out. “Of course, I also go to the test station,” says Jens Ellinger. He runs a large holiday home complex and has completed a course at the German Red Cross to be able to run rapid tests for both tourists and tourists. employees.

So far, there is only one lone container in a parking lot in Oberwiesenthal with a few tables and chairs. But if Schulze and Ellinger have it, that will be the basis for the drive-in-style test center. The project organizers have just submitted their request to the state government, the district and the health department that the signs are positive. The associated project in Augustusburg could start next week, in Oberwiesenthal they await Easter.

You can see more about this in the “Report from Berlin” – on Sunday from 6:05 pm in the first.