Flu Outbreak Hampers Poll Workers in Thuringia, but No Staffing Shortages Expected
The rampant flu wave in Thuringia has also caused illness-related absences among poll workers for the upcoming federal election. However, a random survey by the German Press Agency in five major cities found that no staffing shortages are anticipated at polling stations.
"The situation is not dramatic, and there is sufficient replacement staff available for those who fall ill," according to municipal authorities in Erfurt, Jena, Weimar, Gera, and Suhl.
Around 20,000 people will work as poll workers statewide on election day, according to a spokesperson for the state election officer.
Sporadic Sickness Absences in Erfurt and Suhl
In Erfurt, illness-related absences have remained limited so far. "Fortunately, it has only been a few isolated cases so far, and we hope, of course, that it stays that way and that everyone remains healthy," a spokesperson said. Replacements have been found for those who are ill, and reserve teams are being formed for short-term absences.
In Suhl, the city administration reports that there are currently no major problems due to sick calls. The city has also been able to recruit more poll workers than needed.
Adequate Reserves in Weimar and Jena
In Weimar, where a citizen referendum on the construction of a bypass road will also take place on election day, 750 poll workers have been recruited for 61 ballot box locations and 20 postal voting locations. According to a spokesperson, around 25 to 30 of them are currently reported sick.
"This is not critical, we have enough reserves," the spokesperson said. This is also the assessment of the city administration in Jena.
Gera Prepared for Short-Term Ausences
"We have some illness-related absences, but we also have a large pool of replacement poll workers," said Susanne Sothen, deputy district election officer in constituency 193, which includes Gera, Altenburg, and the Greiz district. Such absences occur in every election, and the flu wave has not had a noticeable impact so far. In the event of short-term absences on election day, sufficient replacement poll workers have been trained.
Expert Recommends Precautions
Infectious disease specialist Mathias Pletz from the University Hospital Jena does not view the situation as so relaxed. "We are currently experiencing a very severe flu wave," said the head of the Institute for Infectious Medicine and Hospital Hygiene. The best way to protect oneself is to get vaccinated against the virus before going to the polling stations.
To protect poll workers from infection by coughing, sniffling, and sneezing voters, Pletz recommends erecting plexiglass screens on the tables in the polling stations. Individuals with pre-existing conditions who fear infection should wear surgical masks. Polling stations should be regularly ventilated, and poll workers should wash their hands regularly.
