The German Medical Association does not consider the end of the obligation to isolate people infected with corona to be problematic in several federal states.
In view of the declining number of infections and the predominantly mild course of the disease, the step is “medically justifiable,” said the President of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt, of the “Rheinische Post”.
"This is also shown by the experiences of other European countries that have already taken this step." The German Association of General Practitioners referred to the personal responsibility of those affected.
Four countries want to create facts
Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein announced on Friday that they would lift the corona isolation requirement for people who tested positive.
Reinhardt pointed out that isolation obligations are “far-reaching measures restricting freedom” that “are disproportionate at the moment”.
From his point of view, however, it would be desirable "if the federal states agree on a uniform nationwide procedure".
Because it is likely to be difficult “to get people in a federal state to adhere to strict isolation requirements even if they are symptom-free if there are no restrictions in the neighboring federal state in the same cases,” said Reinhardt.
"It is important that people learn to deal with these easing on their own responsibility and to be considerate."
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) renewed his criticism of the lifting of the obligation to isolate for people infected with corona and also opposed the planned end of the mask requirement in buses and trains in Schleswig-Holstein.
These steps are "irresponsible" at this point in time.
When implementing such demands, vulnerable groups are "completely disregarded," Lauterbach told the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger" (Tuesday).
Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein want to abolish the obligation to isolate.
Lauterbach referred to the protection of people with previous illnesses such as cancer or diabetes: "For many of them, a corona infection can be life-threatening," warned the Minister of Health.
The lifting of the obligation to isolate would put many of the people from vulnerable groups “in great danger.”
General Practitioners: Anyone who is ill stays at home
"Whether or not there is a statutory obligation to isolate is a political decision," said the national chairman of the German Association of General Practitioners, Markus Beier, of the "Rheinische Post".
“From a medical point of view, the motto must be: If you are ill, you stay at home.
Nobody who is coughing and sniffling should sit in the office or on a crowded train.”
From the point of view of the general practitioners, experience shows “that it is exceptional for a patient to have a positive rapid corona test but not show any symptoms,” said Beier.
"So if everyone with symptoms stays at home consistently, then only a very small number of people will be practically affected by a change in isolation requirements."
The German Hospital Society called for a uniform approach.
"Once the pandemic has been declared over, isolation, mask requirements and other measures must also be removed," said CEO Gerald Gass of the "Rheinische Post".
Corona would then have to be treated like other diseases: "Anyone who is sick stays at home." However, as long as the pandemic is not considered over, "it does not make sense to exempt individual areas from protective measures, but not others," added Gass added.