The Federal Government has spoken out in favor of caution and diligence in decisions to relax the measures against the Coronavirus. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert said this in view of fewer intensive care cases, a higher number of vaccinations and rapid tests planned on the one hand. On the other hand, there is a higher rate of new infections because more contagious mutations of the Coronavirus spread more rapidly.

Federal Minister of Health, Jens Spahn, also urged caution. Any openings occurring too soon, even if this happens step by step, would have to be questioned again after a few weeks.

In contrast, Federal Economics Minister Peter Altmaier spoke out in unison with the State Economics Ministers in favor of a greater degree of easing, as early as March. Altmaier said that the indicators could be the occupation of intensive care beds in hospitals as well as the workability of the regional and local health authorities.