In view of the planned far-reaching relaxation of the corona measures, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) warns of special consideration when dealing with vulnerable groups.
The number of corona outbreaks in old people's and nursing homes increased again in the week up to February 13, according to the RKI weekly report published on Thursday evening.
The number of active outbreaks in old people's and nursing homes has risen to 414 (previous week: 373).
5,226 cases were reported in these outbreaks.
In medical treatment facilities, the number of active outbreaks remained “stable, but at a high level”.
"Success of the Corona measures allows relaxation and more contacts.
But: Vulnerable groups, such as older people, must continue to be protected from #Omicron,” the authority commented on Twitter.
For this reason, complete vaccination protection with booster vaccinations, rapid tests and compliance with hygiene and protective measures are still of great importance, especially before and during meetings with people at risk.
In the course of the debate about opening steps, Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) had already formulated the assessment that the peak of the omicron wave had passed.
The RKI experts now explain in the weekly report that, in their estimation, Germany was at the peak of the fifth wave with more than a million reported new infections in the week up to February 13.
In view of a recent slight decline in the number of cases, there are now indications that this peak will be exceeded.
"However, there is still a very high infection pressure in the population," warn the experts.