The NEOS is massively criticizing the government’s crisis management because of the reaction to the Upper Austrian corona cluster. For party leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger, the fact that the comprehensive closure of schools and kindergartens was the first measure to be carried out does not bode well for autumn. Instead, it demands a proper test strategy and transparency.
“We know that children are not the main carriers of this disease,” said Meinl-Reisinger. But although church services, choir rehearsals and bars are known as “superspreader events”, Upper Austria closed the schools, but only recommended the cancellation for indoor events. “I find it unacceptable how childcare and education can be moved privately without discussion and criticism. Without evidence, without reason and with the full burden on women,” criticized Meinl-Reisinger.
NEOS health spokesman Gerald Loacker warned that massive problems could threaten after the school opens in the fall if this example does the trick. “From October there will be children who have a permanent cold,” said Loacker of the usual infections. If these are then automatically evaluated as a suspected corona case, the regular closure of schools and kindergartens threatens. In addition, the all-clear is often given late because the test results are only transmitted after days.
The NEOS is therefore urging the government to do everything possible to prevent another lockdown. Meinl-Reisinger particularly includes a proper test strategy. The results should be available quickly, especially in educational institutions. Meinl-Reisinger also pointed out that the government had not achieved its self-declared target of 15,000 tests a day. “A lot has been promised but not kept,” said Meinl-Reisinger. And: “I don’t see at all that it is possible to test Formula One employees every three days, but children, parents and teachers wait days for the test.”
–
