German Health Minister: "No Lockdown Before Christmas... Vaccine Is the Only Solution"

"Reduce Vaccination Gap by Mandating Vaccinations"
70% of Population Fully Vaccinated... Intensified Opposition to Vaccine Mandates

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Karl Lauterbach, Germany's Federal Minister of Health, has ruled out widespread lockdown measures across Germany during the Christmas holidays. This statement is interpreted as a response to ongoing protests against strengthened quarantine measures amid the recent spread of the Omicron variant. However, as the German government is reportedly planning a mandatory vaccination policy, public opposition to measures such as vaccine passes is expected to intensify.

On the 19th (local time), Minister Lauterbach stated in an interview with Germany's public broadcaster ARD, "Although the fifth wave driven by the Omicron variant is intensifying, there will be no lockdown measures before Christmas," adding, "I believe that mandatory vaccination to narrow regional vaccination gaps can overcome the spread of the Omicron variant."

This remark is seen as an acknowledgment of the protests against strengthened government quarantine measures not only in Germany but also in most European countries such as Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Minister Lauterbach emphasized, "There are no plans to consider a full lockdown like last year after the Christmas holidays."

However, he stressed that mandatory vaccination is essential, explaining, "Vaccination is the only solution to overcome the Omicron variant," which has sparked further controversy. According to German health authorities, about 70% of the population had completed vaccination by last week. Nevertheless, as the spread intensifies again, citizens are protesting, expressing distrust in the government's vaccination policy.

On the day, Germany reported 29,348 new confirmed cases and 180 deaths, with the spread continuing. There are concerns that if the Omicron variant becomes dominant, the number of confirmed cases will increase even more rapidly.