Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel: "Fortunately, the 7-day incidence rate has fallen from an alarming 314.5 to 164.9 in the last 12 days thanks to our very strict infection control measures, the federal emergency brake regulations and the disciplined behavior of many, many citizens. I and my crisis team very much hope that this trend will continue over the next few days. I am well aware that we in Salzgitter have really worked hard for this success, because the cuts in our private lives, in schools, daycare centers, sports, culture, business and much more in recent weeks have been very painful and continue to be so. However, the increasing vaccination rate gives hope for a normal life. In Salzgitter, around 33,300 people have already been vaccinated for the first time; around 9,700 Salzgitter residents already have full protection. However, it is not yet possible to make a reliable forecast of the 7-day incidence today, Friday, when we fell below the federal government's special emergency measure of 165 for the first time. Therefore, after intensive consideration of all interests and based on the current assessment of the situation, we in the crisis team have decided with a heavy heart to continue to refrain from in-person classes in the final classes and special schools in the coming Ascension week (three school days). However, I hope that alternating lessons will be possible again from Monday, May 17, at least in the final classes and special schools, if the 7-day incidences continue to fall."

However, from the crisis team's point of view, it is essential that incidences actually remain stable or continue to fall. The understandable desire of school principals for a reliable perspective is also important. For this reason, the city of Salzgitter has once again ordered the complete closure of schools by general decree for the coming "short" school week. At the end of next week, it will be clear whether incidences will actually continue to fall. According to federal law, the 7-day incidence must fall below 165 for five working days in a row in order to allow alternating classes in all schools again. There is a special regulation for final-year classes in Lower Saxony: these are allowed to alternate classes regardless of the 7-day incidence value, unless the local health protection authority prohibits school attendance due to the local infection situation. This is the case in Salzgitter until next Sunday, May 9, and will now be extended until Wednesday, May 12, for health protection reasons.

"We are aware of the associated stress for pupils and parents of final-year classes and special schools. For all pupils, but also for parents and teachers, we hope that alternating lessons can soon take place again reliably and the difficult time with distance learning could soon be a thing of the past. However, we want to offer students and teachers a reliable perspective, also for health reasons, and assume that this can be solidly assessed at the end of next week. Written work and examinations will remain unaffected by our regulation," said Dr. Dirk Härdrich, Head of the Schools and Health Department.

In conclusion, Klingebiel and Dr. Härdrich ask for understanding: "Once again, this is not a decision taken lightly, but ultimately the arguments for extending the city's general order to close schools for three more school days and then reassessing the situation on a daily basis outweigh the arguments".