First, the good news: For three consecutive days data by the Johns Hopkins University seem to indicate a trend in German infection numbers. Numbers of infection are still on the rise, however, not as steep as in previous weeks. To us this shows that the measures seem to work. However, this also indicates that these measures should stay in place for further weeks, and that everyone should stick to them, even if it is hard.
We thank all those people who obeyed the measures. Thanks to you, the sometimes-painful steps had an effect.
Sadly, there are still too many who do not understand and accept the physical distancing. This need to improve if you want to see a relaxation of the measures.
These measures will be in place until new infections will decline. Only then it is wise to reduce some measures step by step. We’ll give some recommendations after the holidays when it is clear if the current trend is continuing. Should there be a lot of family events over Easter holidays, new infections will show up with a delay which might lead again to an increase of new infections. You might imagine the consequences regarding the restrictions.
Currently, Germany is in fourth place of the “infectious disease charts”.
At the moment, Germany reports about 114,000 infections. This reflects about 0.1 % of the German population. Even taking into account unreported cases at a factor of 10, this would be about 1 % of the populace. Thus, the virus still has a gigantic field to spread.
Consequently, this virus will stay for a long while. That means that people have to learn to live with changed rules of behavior. Please learn about the virus in order to better protect yourself, your family and friends, your neighbors and your colleagues. Get informed via reliable sites regarding hygiene, health and protection from infections. Think about what you can do to implement these measures. Practice makes perfect!
To all of us this situation is very unpleasant. Nevertheless, we wish you happy holidays, and make the best of the situation without putting others in danger.
After the holidays, we will inform you regularly on topics you might want to know, in a condensed style as usual.
Yours,
Sabine and Joerg