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Goodbye mask - hello virus
Photo: Prostock Studio / iStockphoto / Getty Images
In most places in Germany, the decision for or against an FFP2 mask is now part of the personal responsibility that is often invoked.
Anyone who still doesn't want to be infected (again) with Sars-CoV-2, this time in the Omicron BA.5 variant, goes to crowds of people and well-frequented interiors with mouth and nose protection.
If you are not worried about a possible infection, you can do without the accessory.
All as you like.
So far so good?
no
Appearance: Klaus Stöhr, epidemiologist and newest member of the Corona Expert Committee.
He publicly speaks out against using a mask to reduce his own risk of infection.
“Anyone who does not allow this infection now will postpone the infection until autumn,” says Stöhr at “Bild”.
"Allowing infections in combination with vaccinations in the summer wave will therefore bring the pandemic to a faster end," summarizes "ntv" his statements.
Conversely, the accusation against all those who continue to put on an FFP2 mask becomes clearer: Anyone who does not voluntarily become infected now is preventing the end of the pandemic.
Between Germany and the blissful time of the endemic there is only the ever-shrinking group that voluntarily puts on an FFP2 mask - and the still mandatory wearing of masks on public transport.
Curious enough to recommend infection to protect yourself from infection.
That's like putting a couple of thumbtacks in the tires of a newly bought bike so you don't get a flat tire later.
One should not talk about the risk of Long Covid, which is reduced by vaccinations but does not go to zero, with this super infection offer, that would only unsettle parts of the population.
So: Corona cheaper than ever;
get infected today!
Yes, it sounds like a dubious promotional offer: Buy this vacuum mop, the price will go up tomorrow - if you buy it now, you get two for the price of one!
Incidentally, the same could happen with the corona infection.
Because which variant will prevail in autumn or winter and whether a previous Omicron BA.5 infection promises a significantly better immune protection against it, nobody knows today.
Neither does Klaus Stoehr.
During the entire Corona period, politics in Germany was never about preventing every infection, but the goal was always not to overload the health system.
The extent to which this was successful is another topic (just one keyword: cancer patients), but with regard to the current summer wave, Stöhr praises the good signs of a timely infection.
According to "ntv", he argues that there is no increase in the number of patients treated in the clinics, that the situation is as relaxed as one could have hoped for the summer.
"We have a stable health system," Stöhr reassured at "Bild".
Between the lines this means: If you do have a difficult course, don't panic, there is an intensive care bed available.
So, caution group, take off your mask now and become part of the summer wave, anything else would be lacking in solidarity.
Sars-CoV-2 will thank you!
