Thuringia’s Corona Inquiry: Medical Expertise and a Plea for Children’s Well-being
A heated debate surrounds the ongoing Corona inquiry in Thuringia, a state-level investigation into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the heart of the discussion is the question of whether such an inquiry can truly achieve its goals without a strong emphasis on medical expertise and a broader, federal perspective. Dr. Hans-Jörg Bittrich, president of the Thuringian Medical Association, has voiced his support for the inquiry, stressing the critical need for it to assess pandemic measures based on sound medical and scientific evidence.
Bittrich’s perspective is clear: the success of the inquiry hinges on incorporating the insights of recognized virologists and other relevant specialists. He raises a fundamental question: is a state-level committee truly equipped to handle such a complex undertaking? His argument leans toward the federal level, emphasizing that the Infection Protection Act, the very foundation of the COVID-19 measures, is a federal law. This suggests a belief that a broader, national perspective is required to fully understand the implications and effectiveness of pandemic responses.
The scope of the Corona inquiry is ambitious. It aims to dissect the actions of the Thuringian state government in managing the pandemic, determine whether these actions were adequately supported by legislation, and, most importantly, identify avoidable mistakes and derive practical recommendations for the future. The undertaking is fraught with potential pitfalls, as Bittrich cautions against the inquiry devolving into partisan infighting among members of parliament. The very formation of the committee was marked by discord, with the CDU-SPD-BSW coalition and the AfD initially presenting competing proposals before finally agreeing on a joint approach. This history highlights the challenges of maintaining objectivity and consensus in such a politically charged environment.
Despite the challenges, some positive changes have emerged in Thuringia as a direct result of the pandemic. Bittrich points to the strengthening of public health departments, which were significantly strained during the crisis. The increased staffing levels in these departments are a step in the right direction, demonstrating a commitment to improving public health infrastructure. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of centralizing the treatment of severely ill patients in specialized hospitals equipped with the necessary resources and expertise.
During the pandemic, a coordinated effort, led by the University Hospital Jena, involved specialized hospitals taking on the intensive care of COVID-19 patients, while smaller hospitals focused on treating those with milder cases or other illnesses. Bittrich advocates for this tiered approach to be formally integrated into the state’s hospital plan by the Ministry of Health. He believes that the federal government’s hospital reform, which ties the allocation of medical services to specific quality standards related to staffing and equipment, provides a suitable framework for implementing this tiered system.
As a pediatrician, Bittrich is particularly concerned about the impact of the pandemic on children and adolescents. He believes it is crucial to prepare schools for future emergency situations, particularly by ensuring that school buildings are designed and equipped to provide adequate infection protection. The closure of schools and kindergartens for extended periods during the pandemic had devastating consequences, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Bittrich emphasizes the importance of ensuring that schools and kindergartens are better prepared to prevent infection. He suggests equipping these facilities with better ventilation systems and implementing routine hygiene practices that were found to be helpful in preventing the spread of the virus. He also underscores the importance of keeping schools open whenever possible, as school closures can have severe negative effects on children’s education and well-being.
These closures deprived many children of essential resources, including access to warm meals. "Never again," Bittrich insists, "should children and young people be forgotten in a pandemic." This heartfelt plea highlights the need for policies that prioritize the well-being of young people during public health crises.
The pandemic hit Thuringia hard, with the first confirmed case reported in the Saale-Orla district on March 2, 2020. Three weeks later, the first nationwide lockdown was imposed, shutting down businesses, restaurants, schools, and kindergartens. Subsequent partial lockdowns followed as the pandemic continued to spread. According to data from the State Office for Consumer Protection, approximately 886,600 people in Thuringia were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the first three years of the pandemic, and 8,407 people died from the infection.
The Corona inquiry in Thuringia represents a critical opportunity to learn from the past and better prepare for the future. It is essential that the inquiry be guided by medical expertise, free from partisan politics, and focused on identifying practical solutions. Above all, it must prioritize the well-being of children and adolescents, ensuring that their needs are not overlooked in future public health crises. The inquiry’s success hinges on the ability to embrace these principles and conduct a thorough, objective assessment of the state’s pandemic response.
