Innsbruck (OTS) – Three years following the outbreak of the corona pandemic, a critical reflection is also needed in Tyrol. The State Court of Audit gives positive guidance, a sober view without (political) blinders would do everyone good.
Three years ago it was Holy Week in quarantine, because Tyrol had isolated itself following the outbreak of the corona pandemic. Looking back is unbelievable, although around 100 Tyroleans are still infected with Covid every day. But in March and April 2020 we collectively stumbled into the corona pandemic, not just politics. Concern regarding the virus, which not only endangers people with previous illnesses or the elderly and has pushed the health system to the limits of its resilience, significantly influenced actions, thinking and decisions at the time.
As a result, however, politics became subject to a variety of (financial) dependencies, as the state audit office clearly shows in its current report on the corona test strategy. Whether with the business model “test streets” or with the often excessive test fees for the doctors. In addition, there were missing control systems, incomplete documentation on testing and deficiencies in the procurement procedures for laboratory services or tests. Of course, the critical assessment includes the finding that there were ambitious efforts in Tyrol to overcome the crisis in the best possible way. The State Audit Office says so too.
Freed from the emotional shackles of the five corona waves, sober reflection can succeed today. Especially in Tyrol, although the analysis by the Paznaun-Ischgl tourism association chairman, Alexander von der Thannen, seems like a blow to the neck. “We would have had to spend more than two billion euros if we had wanted to be in the newspapers so often. In retrospect, it doesn’t matter that the reporting was negative,” he said a few weeks ago. In the knowledge that things did not go well in Ischgl at the time and that mistakes were made at all levels, as the expert commission investigating the corona management in Ischgl 2020 explained.
The Commission deliberately did not want to speak of failure, which in turn drives the consumer protection association. Although there will be no criminal consequences following intensive investigations by the judiciary. However, Ischgl continues to be the buzzword in the media, as claims for damages of seven million euros are still pending under civil law.
At the same time, a differentiated look at the controversial test laboratory “HG Lab Truck” is required. Inconsistencies in laboratory management and qualifications cannot be explained away. But with the quality, the quick evaluation and the price, it was right. That should also be part of a reflected reflection on political corona management in Tyrol.
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