Current language: English

Senator Gote: Coronavirus situation calms down, further caution necessary

Ulrike Gote

Berlin's Senator for Health Ulrike Gote at a press conference in the Red City Hall.

In contrast to the nationwide situation, the Coronavirus situation in Berlin has recently calmed down a bit, according to Senator for Health Ulrike Gote.

The infection figures and seven-day incidences in the capital are still subject to fluctuations and fraught with uncertainties. However, it is evident "that the trend is downward", both in the incidence of infections and the burden on hospitals, the Green Party politician said on Monday (March 14, 2022) in the House of Representatives.

Further caution necessary

With regard to the particularly rapidly spreading Omicron subtype BA.2, Gote also emphasized that the incidence of infection remains high despite the current downward trend. Although she sees a rather calm situation in Berlin, she stated that it is important to keep an eye on the nationwide incidence, which is increasing.

Incidence in Berlin way below national average

In the past seven days, the health offices in Berlin recorded 765.6 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Senate's situation report on Monday. On Monday of last week, this incidence was still at 883.7, seven days earlier at 1106.7. According to data from the Robert Koch Institute, Berlin thus has the lowest seven-day incidence in a comparison of the federal states. The national average is currently at 1543, but experts continue to assume that a high number of cases are not officially recorded.

Many vaccination offers for Ukrainian refugees

Gote also stressed the importance of health care for the many people who have fled Ukraine. She stated that Berlin is making great efforts to ensure full vaccination against Coronavirus for the refugees. "There are many vaccination offers and, according to our perception, people are taking up these offers," Gote stated. Refugees in Berlin thus have a number of uncomplicated opportunities to get vaccinated quickly. Multilingual information is provided upon arrival and is also available at the various vaccination facilities.

Low vaccination rate in Ukraine

Once again, Gote pointed out the low vaccination rate in Ukraine. Only about one third of Ukrainians are vaccinated twice, and very few received a booster shot. In addition, Gote said, people in Ukraine are vaccinated with very different vaccines, some of them not approved in the EU. "In such cases, the vaccination series has to be started from the beginning," Gote said.

Author: dpa/deepl.com
Further information: Coronavirus measures
Publication date: 14 March 2022
Last updated: 14 March 2022

More news from Berlin