#16,435
With Omicron now the heir-apparent to Delta, countries around the world are faced with making tough decision on how to respond to an - as yet - poorly defined threat.
Today, Germany's RKI (Robert Koch Institute) released an updated COVID-19 strategy paper and national pandemic plan that calls for the immediate implementation of:Despite some hopeful news on severity, Omicron is rapidly driving up the total number of infections, and that could overwhelm some healthcare delivery systems and disrupt supply chains and essential services.
- Maximum contact restrictions
- Maximum infection preventive measures
- Maximum speed when vaccinating the population (initial and booster vaccinations)
- Reduction of travel to what is absolutely necessary
- Intensive accompanying communication to understand the measures
The three page (German language) document can be accessed at: ControlCOVID - Strategy supplement to cope with the beginning pandemic wave with the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omikron (PDF, 219 KB, file is not barrier-free).
It is not clear whether or when the German Federal Government will implement these recommendations, but it illustrates the seriousness that the RKI takes the Omicron threat.
Some translated excerpts follow:
Even if the Omikron wave is still in its infancy in Germany, a look abroad shows that this variant will result in a wave of infections with a dynamic that has not yet been observed. The Omikron variant is very easily transmitted and often leads to infections that can be passed on, even in those who have been completely vaccinated and recovered. Initial analyzes by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) indicate, despite the uncertainties that still exist, that Omikron can already identify the majority of infections in Germany at the beginning of January 2022, and several tens of thousands of cases of infection every day. Under the current conditions, the doubling time in Germany is around three days.
The current strategy supplement builds on the Control COVID strategy on (last updated on 22/09/2021), and added at the beginning of the current in Germany pandemic wave with the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omikron to implement from a technical perspective measures.
The number of new cases of the fourth wave - caused by the delta variant - is currently declining. Nevertheless, the hospitalizations and the utilization of the intensive care units are still pending very high level. Should the dynamics of the impending Omikron wave not be slowed down, is due to the high number of cases expected in a short time with an overload of the Health care structures in Germany to be expected. Even with an additional ongoing impairment of the critical supply structures (e.g. transport and production chains, energy, police, fire brigade, etc.) must be expected.
The further course of the epidemiological situation in the next few weeks depends on the behavior the population on the holidays, and the unpredictable strength of the influenza circulation as another pathogen with epidemic potential. The spread of influenza can also be with the measures against SARS-CoV-2 are reduced.
2. Actions
This situation results in the following necessary measures, which started immediately and up should initially be retained in mid-January 2022:
- Maximum contact restrictions
- Maximum infection preventive measures
- Maximum speed when vaccinating the population (initial and booster vaccinations)
- Reduction of travel to what is absolutely necessary
- Intensive accompanying communication to understand the measures
The greatest effects on the dynamics of the Omikron wave are consistent and extensive Contact restrictions and the use of infection preventive measures can be expected. the maximum acceleration of the speed during the vaccinations acts here (with a delay from 1-2 weeks) synergistically. The phase of maximized contact restrictions until mid-January must be used to advance vaccinations and booster vaccinations.
Further measures include ensuring the availability of free tests in test centers, and high-quality antigen rapid tests for self-testing (see here), as well as from medical masks (FFP2, MNS). Available tests should be according to the national Test strategy can be used (see here). In addition, the procurement of to the Omikron variant adapted vaccine for the (booster) vaccination of the population already now take place, and also appropriate capacity to administer these vaccines in the Spring / summer to be planned.
The 2G / 3G concepts should be sharpened taking into account the Omikron variant, since of a considerable transmission of this variant also through genesis and completely vaccinated without Booster vaccination must be assumed. It is proposed to be recovered and fully vaccinated people with an additional antigen test have access to certain Facilitate facilities / events (2G + / 3G +). For people with a booster vaccination this additional test can be omitted; for further explanations see 2.1.
From a technical point of view, the RKI recommends that the following measures be implemented immediately (i.e. implemented and also controlled):
2.1. Generally applicable infection protection measures
1. Reduce contacts wherever possible and consistently adhere to AHA + L rules
2. Consistently implement hygiene (protection) concepts in all facilities and locations
3. General mask requirement and continuous indoor wear from two people and up outdoors at a distance of <1.5 m; this also applies to vaccinated persons and genesis and in schools
4. For access to facilities, church services, cultural events, etc.: 2G + (There is no testing for people with a booster vaccination); Particularities:
• In the event of contact with risk groups, fully vaccinated persons should also receive a booster always carry out an additional test (for residents and nursing staff facilities apply specific regulations)• In hotels: the hospitality areas remain closed
• Access to the workplace with 3G + (antigen test 2-3 times a week for complete Vaccinated and convalescent without booster vaccination sufficient, daily test for unvaccinated)
• Access to stores with 2G but with MNS / FFP2
• Access to everyday shops and public transport with 3G, but with MNS / FFP2
5. Home office obligation / requirement (already established)
6. Prohibition of major events
7. Closure of bars, clubs, discos, etc.
8. Closure of indoor sports facilities (active sports only outdoors)
9. Closure of restaurants, take-away sales possible
10. Prohibition of singing indoors (e.g. congregational singing in church services), except in one's own household
11. Basically reduction in the number of people for meetings (including private ones) in Indoor rooms to a maximum of ten people (all persons except those who have been completely vaccinated Booster vaccinations count, here a maximum of 15 people), exceptions:
• Shops, church services, cultural events - reduction of the Number of people in relation to the area (to reduce the density of people)
12. Reduction in the number of people for outdoor gatherings (including private ones) to a maximum of 50 people (count all people except those who have been completely vaccinated and have a booster vaccination with, here a maximum of 75 people)
13. Day-care centers, schools: Extend the Christmas holidays and check whether classroom lessons follow with implementation of the S3 guideline, mask requirement, test strategy, ventilation / fresh air concept or Distance, hybrid or alternating lessons
14. Universities, technical colleges, vocational schools: distance events
15. Strict infection protection concepts and infection control in critical facilities Infrastructure
