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Berlin (dpa) - The relaxation of private contacts decided by the federal and state governments makes Berlin mobility researchers fear more corona infections in this area.
As a result, many additional infections are to be expected, said Kai Nagel from the TU Berlin on Thursday.
According to simulations based, among other things, on anonymized cell phone data, private meetings have already been the “most critical area” in the past few weeks, alongside infections in one's own household.
It is to be hoped that people will continue to reduce visits on their own responsibility or secure themselves, for example through masks, rapid tests, vaccinations or meetings outdoors, stressed Nagel.
The head of the TU department of traffic system planning and traffic telematics reported that activities outside the home had been increasing again since last week, according to the mobility data.
According to the simulations by the Berlin scientists working with Nagel, the mutant B.1.1.7 is so much more contagious than the previous variants that even maintaining the previous measures would not have been sufficient to prevent a third wave.
The researchers therefore welcome broad use of rapid tests, which had shown good effects in simulations.
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However, they urge speed: "It is very much to be hoped that the start will take place immediately."
If tests are only carried out once a week, sufficient effect can only be expected if 80 percent of the population participates, said Nagel.
This is considered difficult to achieve.
The recommendation of the scientists is therefore to extend testing wherever possible after an introductory phase to twice a week.
Apart from the relaxation at private meetings, the resolutions concern openings “in areas that are rather unproblematic according to our simulations”, according to the TU scientists.
It is essential, however, that in these open areas, as far as interior spaces are concerned, a general mask requirement prevails so that there are no renewed infections in the area.
The lockdown to fight the corona pandemic in Germany will be extended to March 28 in view of the continued high number of infections.
However, depending on the infection, there should be many opening options.
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the state prime ministers decided on Wednesday.
From next Monday onwards, private contact options are to be relaxed.
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Then private get-togethers between one's own household and another household will again be possible, but limited to a maximum of five people.
In regions with infection rates below an incidence threshold of 35, further contacts should be allowed.
So far, a household can meet with a maximum of one person from another household.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210304-99-685731 / 2