Anticipating A Surge In Cases Of The Omicron Variant During The Holidays, Germany Urges Citizens To Pay Attention To Health Protocols

COVID-19 test center in Germany. (Wikimedia Commons/Ralf Lotys)

JAKARTA - Germany's Health Minister said on Friday the proportion of coronavirus infections with the Omicron variant will rise sharply in the coming days, urging citizens to observe health protocols to avoid infection during Christmas celebrations.

German authorities are anticipating another wave of COVID-19 cases as a result of the Omicron variant, although so far the Delta variant remains dominant in the country, with the number of cases having declined after soaring last month.

"The proportion of omicron cases will increase VERY strongly in the coming days," German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wrote on Twitter, citing the Associated Press Dec. 24.

He acknowledged there would be delays at the local health office reporting figures over the holidays, but said "We're still watching developments."

"Please avoid infection during the celebrations. Even the vaccinated should test themselves," Lauterbach wrote.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted he knew it was difficult to reduce contact over Christmas. "But if we stand together and get vaccinated, we will get through this crisis."

According to the national center for disease control, Germany had 3.198 cases of COVID-19 attributed to the Omicron variant as of Wednesday, a 25 percent increase from the previous day. The Centers for Disease Control said 48 people were hospitalized and one died on Thursday.

German authorities introduced new contact restrictions, while most areas closed nightclubs and implemented other measures. In most cases, the restrictions will take effect right after Christmas, although some will take effect from Friday.

Separately, in a televised Christmas message, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said it was up to individuals as well as authorities to act responsibly during a public health crisis.

"The state can't wear protective masks for us. It can't get vaccinated for us either. No, it's up to us — to each of us," he said according to a text released by his office.

Steinmeier thanked the "huge majority who chose to stay in our country who have acted carefully and responsibly for months."