Pandemie review: How the Health Department Donnersbergkreis fought!

Pandemie review: How the Health Department Donnersbergkreis fought!

Five years after the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, current developments in the Health Department Donnersbergkreis show the far-reaching changes that the crisis brought with it. On March 11, 2020, the first confirmed Corona case was reported in the Donnersberg district, and on that day the WHO exclaimed the pandemic. From this point on, the health authorities in Germany, including the Donnersberg district, had to deal with topics such as incidence, infection chains, testing, vaccination and quarantine. The challenges that these times brought with them were enormous.

Magdalena Friederichs and Katrin Limbach, the management of the health office, report on a significant increase in the number of employees. Before the pandemic, 12 people were responsible for the office, today the team has 25 permanent employees. During the pandemic, the team was supported by over 60 more forces, including volunteers and members of the Bundeswehr. This increase shows the enormous burden and the use that the health department had to do to contain the virus.

vaccination measures and social cohesion

Another important aspect is the vaccination campaign that the health department carried out in Kirchheimbolanden from April to December 2022. Vaccinations were offered on a total of 75 opening days, including in retirement homes. Friederich's emphasizes that despite the tense situation, the cohesion in society noticed particularly positively during the crisis. However, there were also unpleasant conversations, especially about quarantine rules that were often associated with personal fates.

The Covid 19 pandemic in Germany was characterized by considerable waves of infection and disease. Thanks to the high vaccination quota and the through infections, the majority of the population were able to develop immunity. In 2023, these circumstances led to a transition of the Pandemic event to an endemic, which led to relaxation in many areas. Despite the declines of the serious illnesses, it is important that the vaccinations are continued to ensure the protection of the population, what frankfurt.de emphasized.

healthcare in change

The German health system was put to the test during pandemic. It was rated relatively successfully in the first phase, but there was a deterioration from the end of 2020. Slow progress in population vaccination led to higher infection and death rates. In addition, the system was often not well prepared for the crisis. The period revealed significant defects in the public health service, such as inadequate technical infrastructure and lack of personnel, especially in the care sector. The federal and state governments reacted to these challenges with a “pact for the public health service”, which should contribute to improving the equipment at 4 billion euros. The recommendations also include a strengthening of the public health service and an improvement in working conditions in care, which is highlighted in a report by bpb.de is.

Currently, the Corona cases in the region are low, with just a few reported infections last week. Nevertheless, flu cases are present, which reminds the health authorities that the risks of infectious diseases have not disappeared. Friederichs emphasizes that the health department continues to have plans and instructions for a possible crisis mode. She hopes that another crisis mode will not be necessary while the health system must continue to work on its resilience.