German health minister expects "massive" fifth coronavirus wave
He added during a visit to the region of Lower Saxony that Germany had to prepare for a challenge "that we have never seen in this form before"

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach receives chocolates from Frida, 10, after vaccinating her during a visit to a coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination centre in Hanover, Germany, December 17, 2021. Photo: Reuters
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, a former epidemiology professor famed for his bearish Covid-19 forecasts, said he expected the omicron variant of the coronavirus to unleash a "massive fifth wave" of the pandemic.
He added during a visit to the region of Lower Saxony that Germany had to prepare for a challenge "that we have never seen in this form before".