German Vice-Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that the federal and state governments will meet next Thursday to discuss possible new measures to tackle the rapid increase in coronavirus infections. The Robert Koch Institute is among those calling for tighter restrictions. 

Scholz: Germany needs to “winterproof” itself against COVID

Scholz - who is likely to move up into the top job once coalition negotiations between the SPD, Greens and FDP wrap up - said on Thursday that the federal republic would have to “winterproof” itself against coronavirus with new measures. The past few days have seen new daily records for cases set again and again. 

“We have to make our country winterproof, so to speak,” he said. “What we need now is for the country to pull together in one direction, so that we can get through this winter. This virus is still among us and threatens the health of our citizens.” 

Scholz said that, even though the situation is different this winter compared to last year, not enough people have been vaccinated, and so “we must continue to be cautious.” He said that mask requirements and hygiene concepts would remain a regular feature of everyday life. He also advocated beginning a new vaccination campaign, supported by the reopening of Germany’s vaccination centres. 

He added that 3G rules should be implemented across all workplaces, with stricter testing rules in place in nursing homes. Free rapid tests should also be brought back for the entire population. He also said that 2G requirements - admitting only vaccinated or recovered people - should be used in restaurants, theatres and cinemas, wherever possible. 

RKI calls for new restrictions; Kretschmer won’t rule out lockdown

However, in the eyes of some other political figures in Germany, Scholz’s proposed measures do not go far enough. The would-be chancellor has been criticised especially for his plan to let the government’s emergency pandemic powers expire on November 25. Ralph Brinkhaus, parliamentary group leader for the CDU / CSU, is among those saying that such a move sends completely the wrong signal at a time when infection numbers in Germany are reaching new heights. 

On Friday, Germany reported 48.640 new coronavirus infections within 24 hours, and a further 191 deaths. The seven-day incidence rate climbed for the fifth day in a row to a new high of 263,7 infections per 100.000 inhabitants. 

The dramatic trend has caused the Robert Koch Institute to revise its advice, stating in its weekly report that new restrictions were now needed to help ease the situation. The RKI urged people to “urgently cancel or avoid larger events if possible, but also reduce all other unnecessary contacts.” If impossible, the public health institute added, people should get themselves tested beforehand, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated or not. 

The state premier for Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, told ZDF that he was no longer ruling out a new lockdown. In his state, where the weekly incidence rate has now exceeded the 500-mask, 2G rules have been in place for a little under a week. However, he said on Thursday evening that he did not think they would be enough to fight the fourth wave. “We have to add further instruments,” he said. It remains to be seen whether the other state premiers will agree.