Appeal: Keep to the rules even on holidays

Last year on 1 May, the incidence in Waldeck-Frankenberg was 0.6. 11 people were infected at that time. Today, according to the RKI, the number is 133, and 376 people have tested positive. The numbers show: The district is still in the midst of the third Corona wave. Once again, the district leadership calls on all people to be mindful and responsible - and to continue to follow the rules, especially over the first weekend in May.

Together with the mayors of the towns and municipalities, District Administrator Dr Reinhard Kubat and First District Councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese have decided not to close any car parks, roads or tourist hotspots for the time being. The reason: last year, the designated parking spaces at tourism magnets were closed on the first of May. However, this did not lead to an easing of the situation. On the contrary: cars were parked illegally in country lanes, meadows and at the roadside, which led to even more problems and uncontrollable crowds.

"We have therefore decided to forego closures this year for the time being and to closely observe the situation over the first of May - and then to initiate further measures if necessary," say the department heads. "However, compliance with the contact restrictions, distances and hygiene measures will be checked very thoroughly - also by the police and the municipal offices of order," they announce.

According to the rules of the Federal Emergency Brake, gatherings in public or private spaces are currently only permitted if no more than the members of a household and one other person take part. Of course, these restrictions also apply to the classic May Day walks, which may not take place as usual this year. In addition, the nightly curfew between 10 pm and 5 am continues to apply. Violations of the current rules will be punished and fined heavily.

"Far be it from us to bully or threaten people," Kubat and Frese continue. "However, we are noticing time and again a Corona fatigue and an often careless handling of the rules." This plays into the virus' hands. "We now have to pull together once again - and bring the incidence permanently below 100 and then continue to reduce it bit by bit." If it is consistently below the threshold for five consecutive working days, the federal emergency brake may be released again the day after next in the district. "It is now up to the team spirit and cohesion of the people in the county to achieve this goal together."