When Peter Tinnemann was cramming for his specialist examination, he hoped to get exam questions on the Infection Protection Act.

"That was logical, that was understandable." Today, many years later, even the head of the Frankfurt Health Department sometimes finds it difficult to see through.

"It's now like a novel in which five people have co-written, but the story is missing." He doesn't want to completely give up hope that the new version of the Infection Protection Act that has yet to be passed will make do with fewer exceptions.

"There is still potential for surprises." For him it is clear: "If the rules are simple, our work will also be easier."

Marie Lisa Kehler

Deputy head of the regional section of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

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But he suspects that this wish will not come true.

And so the Frankfurt health department is preparing for the Corona autumn.

For example, more staff were hired for communications.

Through targeted addressing, for example in social networks, Hesse's largest health department wants to reach the population better and educate them about infection protection.

Four instead of three escalation levels

Tinnemann and his team want to be prepared for all conceivable scenarios.

If there is a plan and everyone knows exactly what their task is, that saves a lot of time and, on top of that, gives everyone involved security.

The team works with a "living" document in which four instead of just three escalation levels are described for the first time.

Each one is subdivided to cover as many eventualities as possible.

In this way, it is always taken into account how much the population is willing to cooperate in the respective phase or what demands the politicians place on the office, says Tinnemann.

The levels range from "green", i.e. little or no infection, to yellow and orange to red, an outbreak within the population that can hardly be controlled.

Because it is difficult, especially in a constantly changing situation, to correctly assess the real extent and the necessary actions, the graduated plan should also serve as a means of self-control.

Tinnemann explains that questions are asked again and again about the order that the health department has in the respective phase and about the personnel requirements.

If, for example, large parts of the population are infected at the same time in a certain phase of the pandemic, it must be considered whether resources should really flow into vaccination.

Office doctors, who would then be withdrawn from the vaccination campaign, could help at the hospital.

According to Tinnemann, decisions for such sometimes drastic steps are easier if they have been discussed beforehand in a non-emergency situation.

However, the head of the health department does not want to tie the corset too tightly.

Binding limit values ​​are not provided for in the stage model.

It must continue to be possible to act dynamically and flexibly.

Yellow on the color scale

When asked what level of the color scale Frankfurt is currently on according to the new level model, Tinnemann answers without thinking: “Yellow.

We have an increased number of cases.” It is already no longer sensible to “chase after” every positive case.

After more than two years of the pandemic, each individual can be expected to follow the isolation rules.

Rather, the current phase is about ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups, i.e. old and sick citizens.

The step-by-step plan with all conceivable scenarios is in the drawer, another major project, the digitization of the health authorities, is still pending.

Tinnemann hopes that the introduction of uniform software, which Frankfurt wants to work on, will provide an advantage in the event of further potential crises.

Important data could be recorded more quickly, trends recognized, knowledge about the current situation gained and shared more quickly, and the situation better managed.