Stay at home

Exponential growth in the incidence of infection

A look at the current incidence of infection in Thuringia still shows exponential growth. In contrast to other federal states, the lockdown light has not had any effect here. A look at the situation in Saxony or Bavaria shows where the development in Thuringia will also go if we don't all change course together now and avoid contact wherever possible.

The first hospitals in Saxony and Bavaria are reaching the limits of their capacity. Christian Gerlitz:

Three weeks ago, the Erzgebirgskreis had a similar infection situation to the one we have in Thuringia today. Today, the incidence there is over 1000, which is why we are increasingly concerned about the health of the Jena population. Our common goal is to protect the vulnerable groups and, above all, to protect the university hospital and the public health service from further overload.

Shutting down public life must now be a top priority and, above all, must be done much more quickly than is currently the case. Today's new infections will determine the number of intensive care patients in two weeks. Christian Gerlitz:

The comparatively calm situation in the summer in particular has created a deceptive sense of security in dealing with the virus here in Thuringia. But the current situation is different, much more dramatic than in spring. We can only urgently advise everyone: If you can, stay at home. This will protect you and your loved ones.

Infection situation in Jena

The current charts show how the incidence of infection in Jena can be classified:

• Figure 1 (PDF) - Infection incidence in the 7-day incidence. Only with a 7-day incidence below 50 can there be sustainable relief for the healthcare system. The current trend is still pointing upwards instead of downwards.

• Figure 2 (PDF) - Infection incidence as a heat map, broken down by age distribution. While children and adolescents did not contribute to the infection rate in the spring, a constant infection rate has been observed among children and adolescents since the end of September. In addition, children often show no symptoms but also pass the virus on to adults.

Appeal to the state of Thuringia: Greater focus must be placed on protecting vulnerable population groups

In view of the infection incidents at care facilities in Jena to date, Mayor Christian Gerlitz and the head of the extraordinary events team Benjamin Koppe reiterate the Jena crisis team's call to the state of Thuringia to take further measures to counteract the situation.

Since early fall, we have been appealing to the state government to at least implement the nationwide agreements on contact restrictions in the private sphere, but also on events such as conferences in Thuringia. In particular, the lack of standards for protection in care facilities is now taking its toll, as the rising number of infected people, including care staff and visitors, means that Covid-19 is increasingly being carried into care facilities. The state urgently needs to take countermeasures here so that care homes can once again fulfill their responsibility to protect residents and visitors.

Head of Social Affairs Hertzsch on this:

The city of Jena is currently organizing fast and unbureaucratic logistics for the 13 nursing homes located here on a transitional basis so that visitors can take a quick test in advance. Together with wearing FFP-2 masks during the visit, this is effective protection to prevent possible outbreaks in the first place.

Covid-Guards

The so-called Covid-Guards, which are financed by local authorities, are also intended to provide personnel support for care facilities. The Covid-Guards are specially trained people who accompany and instruct staff, residents and visitors in the care facilities in complying with the necessary protective measures while observing hygiene protection measures.