German Defense Minister Enigret Kramp-Karenbauer said on Wednesday (January 13 / CNN 2021) that the German military is ready for short-term support with up to 10 men and women soldiers to assist with tests in nursing homes and the elderly “if called on”.
“The very vulnerable now in the pandemic need our help, which is why the German army is ready to support,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrat party chair.
In statements to Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), a spokesman for the ministry said that this offer would ease the burden placed on the nursing staff, noting that the Minister of Defense believes that time passes too much and that people are old and needy. They are especially at risk if testing is not done regularly in nursing homes and the elderly.
It is noteworthy that the German army is currently providing support in 267 homes for care and the elderly with 1156 soldiers, and last year the army raised the troop division dedicated to providing aid in the fight against Corona to 20 thousand soldiers and men. Soldiers are permitted, as instructed, to hand out and take swabs for rapid tests.
In a related context, the German “Robert Koch” Institute for Disease Control announced today, Wednesday, that the total number of people who received the first dose of the vaccine reached 758 thousand and 93 people, according to the data of the sixteen German states, and the intensity of vaccinations varies from state to state.
After the Biontec and Pfizer vaccine doses, delivery of the doses of Moderna began this week.
According to the institute’s data, most people (more than 366 thousand people) have been vaccinated for reasons related to their occupations, as they work as doctors or medical teams or inside care homes and homes for the elderly and who face high risks of infection. In addition, more than 285,000 inmates have been vaccinated, and vaccinations can now be given for reasons related to aging or medical reasons.
It is noteworthy that the total number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Germany reached 1.97 million cases as of 7:30 am this Wednesday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University and the “Bloomberg” news agency. The total number of deaths due to Covid 19 disease reached 42,889 cases, while the number of people recovered reached 1.62 million.
AJM / AH (DBA, AFP)
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
The Kurfürstendamm, or “Kudam”, is empty in Berlin
The Kurfürstendamm or “Kudam”: Berlin’s shopping street and roaming street, which was usually bustling with hikers, was completely empty this year. Because here since extensive restrictions were imposed to combat the Corona pandemic, most stores have remained closed.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Faint glitter at Christmas
Not far from the Kurfürstendamm, there is usually a Christmas Market in the meantime Bright Square, with high security. Because the meeting point here in the former center of West Berlin was hit by a severe disaster in 2016 when 12 people died in a terrorist attack.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Just looking at the facade
The West Store along the Kurfürstendamm is Germany’s most famous store. In addition to the famous food stand, everything is available here. German retail will receive compensation – but many dealers are awaiting the December aid promised by the government.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Melancholy hangs over the city of Hamburg
The situation is not different in the second largest German city, Hamburg. In the city center around Mönberg Street there is a void. Even here, because of the second quarantine, the retail trade expects a sharp drop in sales – provided those restrictions end as planned on January 10.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Police control procedures in Freiburg
Freiburg, in the region of Braisegau, is a popular city with torrential rivers of water on the margins of the Black Forest. Here, too, like all locations in the state of Baden-Württemberg, strict curfews prevail, since the 12th of December. It is only possible to leave the house for good reasons, and at night, harsher laws are adopted than during the day.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Military Musical Review in Munich
Here is the capital of Bavaria, Munich. Around Maria Stachus Square, at such times crowds of people usually stand to drink hot wine. This cannot be done this year due to Corona’s measures and the ban on consuming alcohol in public places.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Bavarian slumber is long
As is the case here in the Cross neighborhood of Munich, the state of Bavaria that has been struck by the virus is in deep sleep. Despite the strict restrictions, 69 percent of Germans support the so-called second quarantine – this is what emerged from a poll for Channel One of German television this week.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Saxony epidemic spot
In Saxony, the infection rate remains higher than anywhere else: more than 700 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants within one week, as announced by the Bautzen department. And on Reichen Street, the true street of Bautzen, the Christmas pyramid looks sad.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
Gagged in front of Dresden Church
Even in the state capital, Dresden, the mandatory wearing of a mask has long prevailed. And the Corona regulations in the state of Saxony were tightened at the end of the week: stores are entitled to sell only daily necessities. Clothes, books or toys are withdrawn in order not to attract customers and to reduce friction.
Due to Corona rules … German cities are in “quarantine”
A picture as if from history
The square in front of the Brandenburg Gate has not been empty of people in this way since the existence of the Berlin Wall, that is, until 1989. And not only tourists are lacking – but even the celebration of the largest New Year’s Eve in the country and the fireworks that are carried around the world have been canceled this year. At least the famous clock for counting the ticks until midnight will be in line with Corona digital and transmitted on TV. So Happy New Year!
