His voice has weight in the corona crisis: Virologist Christian Drosten explains to the Germans why it makes sense to wear alternative protective masks.
- The NDR podcast with virologist Christian Drosten has become an important orientation point for many Germans in the corona crisis *.
- Drosten subsequently explains on Monday (March 23) why alternative protective masks make sense for everyone.
- Here you will find the basic facts about the corona virus * and the corona news from Germany *. You can also find current case numbers in Germany here as a map *. The following recommendations for corona protective measures * are currently available.
Berlin - A new episode of the NDR podcast "The Corona Virus Update" with virologist Professor Christian Drosten focused on protective masks on Monday. Drosten had a recommendation for his listeners.
On the streets, in the supermarkets or among the rest of the train travelers, you can see more and more people, some of whom also wear alternative mouth covers. People want to protect themselves - but there is currently a supply bottleneck for protective masks .
Also interesting: Virologist Kekule: Everyone has to wear surgical masks all the time - no normality until at least the end of 2020
Corona crisis: hospitals and nursing homes must continue to be supplied with protective masks
Drosten knows: “There is a shortage of the market across Europe. The hospitals are still being supplied, but it is not the case that there are unlimited stocks ”. Therefore, the purchasing departments of the clinics would be "justified worries" if the general public now wanted to access the same holdings and were also willing to pay "moon prices".
In addition, boxes with surgical masks were repeatedly stolen from hospitals . New orders had already been placed weeks ago, but "production takes time". Until then, it was crucial that there was no “market competition” for the protective masks because they were not only urgently needed in clinics , but also in nursing homes , for example. Wherever people work very close to the patient and the risk of infection is significantly increased in this area.
Read also: Expert Drosten expects "a year in a state of emergency" *
Face mask against corona infection: In fact, a mask has two other effects
There is “no or almost no evidence” in the research literature that a mouth guard actually protects effectively against infection with the corona virus. Nevertheless, the virologist sees that it can make sense to wear masks in public, for example when shopping in a supermarket. Less than self-protection , but as external protection . That is, if you want to be sure not to infect anyone unconsciously. Finally, it is currently assumed that infectivity is present the day before the onset of the first symptoms of corona. Drosten speaks of a "courtesy gesture" , which he very much supports.
Also interesting: pulmonologist criticizes the handling of the corona virus - virology expert Drosten counters sharply
Coronavirus: Virologist Drosten speaks of "courtesy gesture" in face mask
In addition, this mask could have a second psychological effect - namely that of self-discipline . You are constantly reminded of the risk of infection and thus prevent yourself from unconsciously continuing to touch your face, rub your eyes or touch your mouth. However, at the same time, you have to be careful that the supposed protection does not make you too carefree and that other hygiene measures such as washing your hands are grinded.
Overall, Drosten thinks it's good to wear a mask, as long as it's not one that's taken away from the clinics. So you should either make an alternative mask yourself or sew it out of fabric - or use a round scarf or a scarf.
Erna Müller from the Rhön is over 90 and spends the time on the sewing machine to sew masks to protect against the #Corona virus. # Covid_19 https://t.co/fBsson6X6m
- Michael Müller (@ michael_muell80) March 21, 2020like
* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network
List of rubric lists: © dpa / Markus Scholz, dpa / Michael Kappeler
