Host Nation Update, Oct. 13, 2022
Stricter COVID measures discussed
In the German Federal Parliament yesterday, 12 Oct 22, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) called for the German states to use the tools given to them in the revised federal Infection Protection Law (IfSG), “especially mandatory mask wear indoors.” Lauterbach added, “I believe that it is a common misperception to believe that the fall and winter wave now starting will limit itself.” Some states are considering stricter measures. Berlin’s Health Senator introduced a proposal to be considered next week to re-introduce masks in stores and museums. Saarland’s Health Minister Magnus Jung (SPD) urged citizens to voluntarily wear masks indoors, and a spokesperson said the State Government would issue new Coronavirus decisions “very soon.” Reporting on the situation, the Stuttgarter Zeitung noted that in the past there has been a domino effect in which one or more states introduce coronavirus measures and then the remaining states quickly follow. B-W’s government has not yet made any public calls or statements of intent regarding measures, but the State Health Authority continues to monitor the situation. B-W Health Ministry spokesperson noted that, to avoid a further burdening of hospitals, Health Minister Manfred Lucha (Greens) is urging people to get a flu vaccination. (Stuttgarter Zeitung, Oct 13, 22)
Cabbage festival in Leinfelden-Echterdingen – City expects 40,000 guests
The Krautfest had to be cancelled twice during the COVID pandemic – the most important festival in Leinfelden-Echterdingen (L-E) .The city has taken the number of visitors from 2019 as a guideline. At that time, the organizers had counted 40,000 people in the streets and alleys of L-E. A correspondingly large number of rescue, aid and security forces will be on duty on Saturday and Sunday. Up to 30 police officers will be on the festival grounds, the German Red Cross will be on site with up to 26 rescue workers. However, the weather forecast for the weekend does not look quite so rosy so far. From a purely legal point of view, the local clubs as organizers and also the city of L-E no longer have to observe any requirements, at least in terms of the COVID pandemic, explains the mayor Carl-Gustav Kalbfell. he adds: So anyone who has contracted the coronavirus is required to stay home. “We consider it safe to visit the Krautfest because, after all, much of the event traditionally takes place outdoors,” Kalbfell explains. Nevertheless, the city does not want to take any risks, also in the sense of the many volunteer helpers. In the free shuttle bus, with which the festival guests can shuttle between the city districts and the various program points during the weekend, a mask must be worn – as is usually the case on public transport. Those coming to the Krautfest in L-E from outside the city are advised by the city administration to leave their cars at home and travel by public transport. To ensure that fire departments and ambulances can get through in an emergency, parking and stopping bans will be set up on Leinfelder Straße and Hauptstraße. On Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16, the 44th Krautfest will be celebrated in L-E without major COVID restrictions. The pointed cabbage will be estimated, weighed, carried through the streets and of course tasted. In addition, there is music, dancing and plenty of program on the part of local clubs and stores. On Friday evening, you can already get in the mood for the festival in Echterdingen and Leinfelden.
Lord Mayor Roland Klenk will tap the keg on Saturday, 2 p.m., on the stage at Neuer Markt Leinfelden. At 3 p.m., he will probably taste cabbage on the Echterdinger stage with Camille Galtier, mayor of the French twin town of Manosque. At the same time, the tent at the Backhäusle will be opened in Oberaichen. On Sunday, the 17th Spitzkraut Classics rolls through Leinfelden from 12 noon to the delight of all classic car fans. The detailed program can be found on the net at www.myle.de. (Stgt Nachrichten, Oct 13)
Lord Mayor’s spokeswoman comments on weapons ban zone in Stuttgart
The critics of the planned weapon ban zone keep speaking out. Recently, the factions in the municipal council that are against this new regulation have filed a motion to possibly still stop the project. But supporters are now also speaking out – from city politics and a prominent voice from the mayor’s spokeswoman, for example.
In front of her eyes and those of other passengers on a U 15 streetcar rail, an argument raged at about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday in which a man was injured and one used a knife. The argument and brawl shifted from the street to the streetcar, which had just stopped at Olgaeck. Three men allegedly attacked a 30-year-old man after two of them asked for a cigarette at Blumenstraße and he did not give them one, according to police. Together with an accomplice, the two chased him as he fled to the light rail. On the streetcar, they continued to attack him, one allegedly hitting him with a bottle. When one of the attackers dropped a knife on the floor, the 30-year-old took it and used it to beat the three attackers into flight. Germany has created the conditions for a weapons ban, the local council must now decide on it. According to the police, it does not change the basis for controls. However, if someone gets caught with a knife, there will be clear (legal) consequences. (Stuttgarter Nachrichten, Oct 13)
The “Magstadt” fire department will demonstrate their skills during exercise
Magstadt. On Saturday, October 15, the annual main exercise of the Magstadt fire department will take place from 3:30 p.m. at the marketplace or old schoolhouse. The scenario: large-scale alarm on the newly designed market square.
Scenario: Loud wailing sirens and rushing fire engines, as well as the local Red Cross drive to the market place to the Old Schoolhouse in the Alte Stuttgarter Straße 1. Dark smoke will come out of the building from the Old Schoolhouse from the second floor. Several people stand at the window and call for help.
The cause: A kettle caught fire in the kitchenette. The fire in the kitchenette was only noticed when an employee noticed an acrid smell of burning. The way to the stairwell was blocked by the fire smoke. Panic spreads – such a scenario could play out in an emergency. The Magstadt Volunteer Fire Department invites the citizenry to this year’s main exercise on Saturday, October 15 at 3:30 p.m. on Marktpatz (Old Schoolhouse). The Magstadt Volunteer Fire Department is looking forward to many interested spectators. (BB, heute.de, Oct 13)
Weather in the Stuttgart region – First lots of rain – then 23 degrees
“First of all, our weather is dominated by a low-pressure area,” says Kai-Uwe Nerding of the German Weather Service (DWD) in Stuttgart. “This will bring us a lot of rain until Sunday.” In the night to Friday, it begins to rain from the west, he said. On Friday, a new band of rain comes. The precipitation then continues – apart from minor breaks – until Saturday evening. In the Stuttgart area, 10 to 15 liters per square meter may fall. However, this is nothing compared to the Black Forest: Here, one will probably have to issue a weather warning for persistent, continuous rain, said the DWD meteorologist. On the Feldberg, there may also be squalls. As of Sunday: the rain subsides, the sun will come out more and more. Milder air from the southwest flows into the country. The thermometer can climb to 23 degrees on Sunday and also on Monday. (Stgt Nachrichten, Oct 13)