Reportage: Germany in the Corona Crisis

In Germany, the number of infections with the corona virus continues to rise. This increases people's fear of infection. Most cases have so far occurred in North Rhine-Westphalia.

On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 18.00 p.m., the “ZDF.reportage” will examine the current situation in “Beware, risk of infection! – Germany in the Corona crisis.”

In the worst-affected district of Heinsberg, a state of emergency has already been declared: 1.000 people in quarantine, kindergartens and schools closed. Doctors and pharmacists are working to their limits to educate people and provide them with medical care.

In a doctor's office, the reporters experience that regular practice operations are hardly possible anymore. A pharmacist is trying to cope with the rush of anxious people who want to protect themselves from infection.

He is forced to make his own disinfectant because there are no more supplies. Those affected who are in quarantine describe their everyday lives and how they deal with the fear of being infected themselves.

Many people are now critical of Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn's crisis management. With Bonn virologist Prof. Hendrik Streek, the "ZDF.reportage" examines the question of how the course of the corona epidemic should be assessed and whether everything has really been done to be properly prepared for an emergency.

The "ZDF.reportage" is traveling through Germany and shows the consequences of the corona epidemic: There is now a shortage of disinfectants and protective masks everywhere in the country. The economic impact of the corona virus is already serious.

Many companies are experiencing production downtime because the urgently needed supply of materials from China has been interrupted. Airlines are canceling connections. Many passengers are letting their tickets expire. Arrivals from countries affected by Corona are being registered at airports. Trade fairs and major events are being cancelled.

The event industry is also already feeling the effects of the Corona crisis, as orders are lost with every cancellation. However, a few are benefiting from the Crisis: Cleaning companies that specialize in disinfection, for example, are working extra shifts. And sellers of protective workwear are also doing good business at the moment.

© Photo: ZDF, Axel Pfeiffer