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Chancellor Angela Merkel underestimated the danger posed by the coronavirus. The press reported at the end of September that the Christian Democratic leader had warned in a videoconference of his party that more than 19,000 new cases of contagion would be registered every day until Christmas. Many have called it scaremongering. Today, Merkel and her critics would be happy if this prediction turned out to be an exaggeration.
Unfortunately, the opposite happened. Already now the Robert Koch Institute registers around 30,000 new infections in a few days. The death toll should make even those tempted to trivialize the pandemic think and scare. There were 15,000 deaths in mid-November, now (12/13/2020) 22,000 people have lost their lives in Germany due to or in connection with the coronavirus. It almost doubles in a month! He who has not recognized the signs of the times can no longer receive help.
Just a look at the hospitals
Marcel Fürstenau
In the context of this dramatic evolution, the new blockade, decided by the federal government together with the 16 regional governments, is absolutely correct. Anyone who thinks otherwise would do well to say this in front of staff who selflessly fight for every human life in hospitals, nursing homes, and nursing homes. And explain why the pandemic is not so bad.
The situation in which Germany now finds itself in the fight against the virus demands the solidarity of all. And empathy for those affected directly and indirectly. The pretense of knowing better and the contempt of others are totally out of place.
Especially these days. A certain comfort and confidence inspires the action of political leaders because of the unity they display. In recent weeks and months, sadly this unit has been almost completely absent.
Learning from the mistakes of the past
But now is not the time for petty accounts of right or wrong decisions made by one or the other. It is important to learn from incorrect estimates of the past. Claiming the costs of others is obvious. Many sacrifices have already been asked of the people of Germany and are still being asked of them. Yet according to polls, people are still willing to make sacrifices.
Politicians would do well to openly and honestly honor acceptance of the vast majority of measures to combat the pandemic. Ask the population for a better understanding now for possible more drastic and longer restrictive measures. Because a substantial improvement in the situation until January 10, when the current blockade expires, remains a hope that borders on despair.
There are signs that this hope will prove futile. After all, winter lasts in Germany until March. And the vaccines haven’t even started yet.
The partial blockade, in force since the beginning of November, had no effect. This is the bitter reality. That is why the severe blockade, decided on Sunday, was inevitable. Perhaps in the spring it can be said, in hindsight, that German political leaders did everything right on December 13. It would be nice, but no one can be sure of that.
Marcel Fürstenau – Deutsche Welle
