The first steps have been taken – they were overdue. The abolition of the 2G rule in retail, in galleries, museums, memorials and libraries, but also for city tours, as decided by the Berlin Senate on Tuesday, was urgently needed. On the one hand, the pressure from the relevant industries was too great, but the corona numbers in the capital were also too clear.
No, Corona is not defeated, the Berlin traffic light is still double red (incidence and hospital admissions), but it is suddenly yellow (occupancy of the intensive care units with Covid patients). And the trend is downward. Experts say the peak has been reached, if not exceeded. The Senate must enact simplifications. To speak of loosening already prohibits the obligation to wear a mask. Massive restrictions on public life and personal freedoms remain. Until further notice, because Corona is not behind us. Nevertheless, if the numbers continue to develop like this, 2G-plus in the catering trade will also have to be abolished in March. Mandatory.
The problem of vaccination fatigue remains. The vaccination rate in Germany and also in Berlin remains below 80 percent – according to experts, a value of 90 percent would be sufficient. But there is no indication that there could be another boost. Anyone who has not been vaccinated by now is unlikely to do so again. The attempt to drive up the rate with carrot and stick (more opportunities for the vaccinated, fewer for the unvaccinated) has failed. This is bad, but was expected by many. Now we all have to prepare for a spring behind masks. That’s not a nice idea. But it’s reasonable. Not more.