Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) warns of a “catastrophic” corona development if no suitable measures to combat the virus are decided before autumn.
"If we went into autumn like we are now, without further protective measures, without masks, without anything, that would mean that the number of cases would rise sharply, but the intensive care units would also be overloaded," said Lauterbach during a visit to the American Capital Washington.
At the same time, staff in the clinics would also be absent.
"It's like a candle burning at both ends," Lauterbach said.
On the one hand, more patients have to be treated, on the other hand, there is a lack of staff.
He did not want to go into possible concrete measures.
There are confidential negotiations, for example with the Federal Ministry of Justice led by the FDP.
The current measures expire on September 23.
By then, the government will have decided on new steps, said Lauterbach.
With a view to the second booster vaccination, he warned: "The elderly cannot take the risk of waiting for an adapted vaccine, which will come sometime in September or October, given the high number of cases that we now have."
During his visit to the United States, Lauterbach discussed, among other things, the fight against the corona virus and the preparation for future pandemics.
He met Immunologist and Pandemic Advisor to the US President, Anthony Fauci.
On Friday he wants to give a speech at the elite Harvard University and visit a production facility of the vaccine manufacturer Moderna in Norwood, Massachusetts.
According to Lauterbach, America's President Joe Biden should survive his corona infection well.
"He's been vaccinated four times, he gets the right medication straight away.
It can therefore be assumed that he will recover without any problems, ”said Lauterbach.
The President took all measures "exemplarily".
The Minister of Health said he hoped that in the future, the drug Paxlovid, which the White House said Biden was taking, would also be used more in Germany for corona infections.
"The quick administration of the drug Paxlovid to the infected is now working very well here," said Lauterbach.
"It's something we need to get right because it would save a lot of lives."