Every single contribution protects health, society and the economy. The COVID-19 epidemic has also led to deaths in Germany and will cause further deaths. Some patients considered to be recovering still suffer from lasting health damage. At the same time, many economic livelihoods have been threatened or destroyed as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic; many people have suffered from insecurities and restrictions. Rising case numbers, with or without lockdown, would once again entail significant health, social, psychological, and economic costs. This can be prevented. If we manage to keep the number of new cases low, the infection chains can be broken or at least contained.