Health – Hanover – Almost 50 million corona tests taken this year – health
Hanover (dpa / lni) – In Lower Saxony almost 50 million corona tests have been taken so far this year. In the recent past, the weekly number was mostly around 400,000, as the Ministry of Health in Hanover announced in response to a dpa request. In the first week of October it was probably around 330,000, but less. Self-tests, which are available in drugstores, for example, are not included in these figures.
According to the ministry, more than a million tests were carried out each week by the beginning of May. After that, the numbers dropped noticeably. Most recently, there were more than 500,000 tests in one week in mid-July.
The positive rate of the corona tests has fluctuated in the past few weeks. In the first week of October, almost every tenth test was positive – in the weeks before it was only between around four and almost seven percent.
At times this year, corona tests were a prerequisite for many people in Lower Saxony for numerous leisure areas. Many corona protection measures and therefore the obligation to take a test have been eliminated for a few months.
Since July, there have only been free citizen tests for risk groups and a few exceptional cases. For tests, for example for family celebrations, concerts or meetings with people over 60, an additional payment of three euros is due. Anyone who wants such a test must sign that it is done for this purpose.
Lower Saxony’s Health Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) had criticized the end of the general free tests. “By eliminating the free, unprovoked citizen tests, we have given up some security in detecting infections and breaking chains of infection, especially against the background of increasing corona numbers in autumn and winter,” said Behrens.
However, the tests are still free of charge if there is a reasonable suspicion of an infection. “It is important this autumn that everyone has an overview of their vaccination status and takes the necessary booster vaccinations. This is particularly necessary for the over 60-year-olds,” emphasized the minister.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:221017-99-152370/2