Hendrik Streeck, the chief virologist at the University Clinic Bonn, believes that there is too much fear of the corona virus in Germany.
In addition, too much is looked at the infection numbers.
Hendrik Streeck
feels that people in Germany are too afraid of the
corona virus
*.
The
Bonn
virologist also warns that you have not prepared yourself mentally well enough.
He also made another appeal to the
youth
, who may go to the doctor less often.
Munich - The director of the Institute for Virology at the University Hospital Bonn, Hendrik Streeck, feels that there is
"too much fear"
in the fight against the
coronavirus *
in Germany.
Although he believes that the health system is well prepared for the coming autumn and winter months, he sees the problem in people's minds.
"Mentally we are less well prepared in Germany," said the 43-year-old in an interview with
dpa
.
He also sees missed opportunities: "Over the summer we have not been able to find pragmatic solutions as to how we can continue in certain areas when the number of infections increases significantly."
Coronavirus in Germany: Hendrik Streeck fears debates in the wrong direction
The
virologist *
is concerned that too little will be discussed in autumn about solutions with regard to
Covid-19
*.
Instead, they are debating how to further reduce public life.
For Streeck it is also not important to only pay attention to the pure number of infections - after all, asymptomatic infections are not a bad thing.
Exactly this topic could become a matter of dispute in a current top meeting between Chancellor Merkel and the country leaders.
“Afterwards, the person can probably no longer be infected and no longer contribute to the infection process.
In addition, the possibility of long-term consequences cannot be ruled out. ”Of course, the number of infections should not be disregarded, but in his opinion, the occupancy rate in
inpatient treatment
and the proportion of intensive care beds occupied should be included in the ratio.
Correspondingly defined threshold values could thus stipulate stricter measures in everyday life.
A good summary of the discussion.
Constructively non-destructive and without alarmism.
https://t.co/WUXlpNX3gT
- Hendrik Streeck (@hendrikstreeck) September 14, 2020
Coronavirus in Germany: Hendrik Streeck appeals to the younger generation
If you look at the increase in the number of infections, it is noticeable that the number of
deaths
* has increased significantly less.
The Bonn native sees one reason for this not only in the age of those affected, but also in the number of viral pneumonia, which was hardly observed in the summer.
This is a phenomenon "that we know without understanding the mechanism behind it."
The behavior of the citizens also plays a role here.
It is already known that distance regulations and the wearing of masks reduce the infection doses, which in turn lead to milder symptoms.
Nevertheless, Streeck appeals to the younger generation, who could increase the risk of not being able to go to the doctor due to minor symptoms:
“I am counting on people to take responsibility, not only for themselves, but also for other people.
Almost everyone of us knows elderly people or people from
risk groups
for whom an infection can be dangerous.
Such a pandemic can only be dealt with together. ”
(Ta) merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editorial network.
List of rubric lists: © Federico Gambarini / dpa