BThe Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach (Social Democratic Party) posted a photo on Twitter that evening in which he secretly peeked out the window: “I found it on the Internet. It’s not entirely wrong. Have a nice last evening in 2021 and I implore everyone to be careful.” For the last time, he wrote and warned: “Don’t overdo it. I see you. Happy New Year. Kuala Lumpur.”
Thus Lauterbach showed a sense of humor, which was somewhat unusual for German politicians. But he also used the viral tweet’s attention to remind everyone of the responsibility. Citizens should continue to test themselves, meet in “very small groups” and consider face masks “when necessary.”
The Federal Health Minister also has advice for those who complain of symptoms: “Watch TV alone.”
Next year there will be “light at the end of the tunnel,” he said Friday night at the ZDF New Year’s Eve show from the Brandenburg Gate. The Omikron variant will be another tough challenge.
“But this variant appears to be slightly less risky than the delta variant.” This is a glimmer of hope. It is not yet known for certain whether this also applies to the unvaccinated.
