Bundeswehr remains an important pillar for the health department

On Friday, five Bundeswehr soldiers completed their deployment at the Jena health authority. They are now returning to their barracks in Gotha. Since 27.12.21, the soldiers have been providing support with contact tracing. Without this personnel support, it would not have been possible to carry out the investigative work. It was also possible to complete many data records in the SORMAS contact management software.

Head of Department Benjamin Koppe, who chairs the Jena crisis team, thanked the soldiers for their efforts. "The Bundeswehr's targeted assistance has been an important support for the public health department since the beginning of the pandemic. Those affected rightly expect rapid communication on all issues relating to infection with the coronavirus. The five soldiers have helped here with great commitment. The city of Jena would like to thank the soldiers for this."

From next Monday, three soldiers will be on duty at the health department. If necessary, the Bundeswehr will also provide further support.

"In the last few weeks and right now, our special focus is on Jena's care facilities," said Benjamin Koppe on the sidelines of the farewell ceremony. As part of a task force set up by the crisis management team, there is a regular exchange of information about the situation in the retirement homes. "We are always in close contact with the affected facilities and their owners so that we can take preventative action and act quickly in the event of an outbreak. The older generation can be sure of our full support."

Dr. Beyermann from the public health department explains: "The rapid spread of the Omikron type of the virus is naturally causing us concern. We want to avoid supply bottlenecks in inpatient care facilities at all costs. To this end, we are discussing the situation with care home managers and monitoring outbreaks in detail."

Restructuring has already taken place in the health department for the upcoming coronavirus wave. For example, groups have been formed that work independently of each other and do not come into contact with each other. This would minimize the possible spread of infections among employees and ensure the office's ability to work as a critical infrastructure. Improvements in case management are also underway to ensure that the necessary documents for quarantine and isolation can be prepared quickly.