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Finance Minister Scholz and Bavarian Prime Minister Söder have called for the partial lockdown to be extended. There are apparently no signs of relief ahead of federal and state inquiries on how to proceed in the corona pandemic.
In view of the persistently high number of new corona infections, leading SPD and CSU politicians have called for the current partial lockdown in December to be extended. The federal and state governments will discuss how to proceed in the pandemic next Wednesday. Looking ahead to the upcoming talks, Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz told “Bild am Sonntag” (“BamS”): “Everything indicates that the current restrictions should continue for a time after November 30.”
Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder also told the newspaper: “To have a good Christmas, we have to extend the blockade and certainly deepen it.” The head of the CSU added: “In any case, two or better three weeks. At least until we have returned to reach the incidence value of 50.” This means 50 new infections for every 100,000 inhabitants in seven days. This value was already mentioned as a goal when the stricter restrictions were issued in early November, because then it is assumed that the health system will not be permanently overloaded. Currently the value is around 140.
What will happen with Christmas and New Years Eve?
“If we break the lock on this high level of infection numbers and lose patience, then everything starts over again and we end up with even tougher measures than now in the Czech Republic or Austria,” Söder said, referring to the next federal government. -Country consultations. And: “A longer lockdown now is better than a full exit restriction during Christmas.”
At Christmas, Söder would like to at least allow family celebrations: Christmas should be more “free”, “but New Year’s Eve more consistent,” he explained. By New Year’s Eve, Söder wants to ban firecrackers and alcohol in larger venues. “But there is no need for a blanket ban on firecrackers.” At the same time, he warned against vacation travel during the turn of the year.
Countries governed by the SPD also want relaxation during the holidays so that close friends and families can see each other, as “BamS” reported. Rhineland-Palatinate Prime Minister Malu Dreyer told the newspaper: “At Christmas and New Year’s Eve, people should be able to meet their loved ones.”
Virologists believe extension of block is appropriate
In view of the continued high number of corona infections, several virologists and physicians had also spoken out in favor of extending or even tightening the above restrictions. “The aim was to achieve a significant reduction in new infections. However, almost three weeks after the start of the measures, we did not see a significant fall, but a lateral movement,” said the chief virologist at the University of Heidelberg, Hans- Georg Kräusslich, from the “Rhein-Neckar- Newspaper”. “So it is clear that the real goal has not been achieved.”
Virologist Alexander Kekulé had already asked for a hardening. “At the next federal-state meeting on Wednesday, the new anti-corona resolutions are absolutely necessary. This should include immediately dividing classes at all high schools and switching to alternate lessons,” said the expert from the University of Halle-Wittenberg. the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”. At the same time, he advocated leaving kindergartens and elementary schools open and allowing the Christmas holidays across the country to begin a week before Christmas Eve.
Health Minister Jens Spahn called the currently applicable partial lockdown a success. “The breakwater works,” he told the “world.” “The exponential growth is broken. We agree that that is not enough.” In view of the high number of older people in Germany, it is important to also monitor the capacity of intensive care units. “We are the country with one of the oldest populations in the world,” said the minister. As the number of infections increases, sooner or later the need for treatment in intensive care units will also increase. “I want us to break the wave before there is a lot of unnecessary suffering in hospitals,” Spahn emphasized.
Scholz: Aid for companies also in December
If the partial closure is extended in December, Scholz will continue to pay aid to companies that have to close due to crown restrictions. “If the restrictions are extended, it is clear to me that then the financial support of the sectors directly affected is also necessary,” said the vice chancellor and SPD candidate for chancellor of the “BamS”. The additional reimbursement of 75 percent of the previous year’s turnover “would be financially challenging and complicated under European law,” he said. “But it’s about securing livelihoods,” says Scholz, “we have to act pragmatically, without bureaucracy and smart.”
Söder told BamS: “The aid must be paid for the duration of the confinement.” The CSU chief added: “This should also include all market traders and traders who are particularly affected by the failure of the Christmas markets.”
Economy Minister Peter Altmaier had previously promised more help for businesses, in the event of an extension and tightening of restrictions. “No one will be left outside in the rain,” he said on Deutschlandfunk.
Merz says Scholz’s help for businesses is “fast”
CDU presidential candidate Friedrich Merz accused Scholz of an ill-considered “quick shot” in state aid to businesses at the close of November. “It has to be reworked,” Merz told the “Tagesspiegel.” This “November aid” in its current form did not convince him, Merz said. “Of course you have to help those affected, without a doubt. However, turnover is the most vague measure of compensation or loss of income.”
There are considerable inconsistencies, criticized the economic expert and former leader of the parliamentary group of the Union in the “Tagesspiegel”. “Take a freelance concert organizer, for example. They make maybe five percent profit on sales, but now they get 75 percent of monthly sales reimbursed. That is completely beyond all the damage they suffer.” Merz explained. having to pay (set builders, technicians, artists) would also receive reimbursement for another 75 percent of their turnover. “At the same time, compensation for others is far less than necessary.” Sales and profits are just two different things. Sales-dependent reimbursement is a snapshot, “which does not do justice to the situation and needs,” Merz criticized.
Extension for partial confinement?
The partial lockdown went into effect in Germany in early November, initially for four weeks. But there are growing doubts that the stricter crown measures will expire at the end of the month. An extension of the partial lockdown is becoming evident in the upcoming federal-state consultations.
According to media reports, citing country circles, the measures could be extended until shortly before Christmas. This is what “Berliner Morgenpost”, “Tagesspiegel” and “Business Insider” report. Restaurants, cultural and leisure facilities are likely to remain closed. Stores, on the other hand, should obviously be able to open during the Christmas business that is important to them.
