The Swiss corona expert Manuel Battegay calls on people to be more disciplined and responsible - then easing the measures would also be possible.
Basel - The number of infections is increasing, Germany is in the third wave of the corona pandemic.
On Sunday, Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) announced in the
ARD
interview with “Anne Will” that she would intervene if the prime ministers did not implement the measures taken by the federal and state governments, such as the so-called “emergency brake”.
In Austria, tough corona measures are also being taken in three particularly affected federal states.
Burgenland, Lower Austria and Vienna are going into an Easter lockdown.
A Swiss infectiologist believes that the tightening of measures to contain the corona pandemic * is counterproductive.
"More measures are of no use if people no longer participate," said Manuel Battegay in an interview with the newspaper
Blick
.
The 61-year-old has been the head of the Infectious Disease and Hospital Hygiene Clinic at the University Hospital in Basel for around 20 years and until recently was Vice President of the Swiss Corona Task Force.
Swiss corona expert calls for disciplined compliance with the "basic measures"
Since the beginning of the corona pandemic *, Switzerland has imposed significantly fewer restrictions than Germany.
Hotels and ski resorts did not have to close.
Most shops, museums and zoos have been reopened since the beginning of March.
Restaurants, however, are still closed.
The 7-day incidence in Switzerland was still around 80 in mid-February. By mid-March, however, it had risen to more than 120 again.
Battegay still promotes opening steps, but at the same time encourages people to be more disciplined.
"If everyone adhered to the basic measures, much more would be possible," the infectiologist
clarified
in the
Blick
interview.
Distance, hygiene and masks * remained the most important measures in infection protection.
“A degree of discipline from the first wave” must be achieved again.
“In addition, specific, targeted information and campaigns are necessary so that people at risk are better aware of their risk,” says Battegay.
Swiss corona expert: "You can't always ban more"
The tightening of the Corona measures in other countries would only lead to moderate and, above all, not lasting success, explained the former Vice President of the Swiss Corona Task Force.
“You can't always ban more,” Battegay pointed out.
Rather, you have to educate people about their personal risk of Covid 19 disease *.
"I would advise an overweight man who is older than 50, who suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes, not to have a beer on a restaurant terrace before a full vaccination," the infectiologist gave an example.
The doctor considers openings at cultural events to be possible if the number of spectators is limited and protection concepts are in place.
In his opinion, the outdoor catering could also be opened - with capacity restrictions and reservations to avoid crowds.
Battegay also clarifies: "Systematic, broader testing, especially for clusters with a lot of human contact, such as in schools and companies, is a must."
Swiss corona expert: "Education, discipline and control" - central points for openings
"Education, discipline and control", according to Battegay, are central points when it comes to possible openings.
"We have to switch to a mode in which people get an active role again, then the necessary measures are better adhered to until enough people have been vaccinated," says the infectiologist.
However, this also includes pointing out their wrongdoing to other people.
Demonstrations in which thousands meet without protective measures are "extremely counterproductive," said Battegay.
The infectiologist did not categorically rule out tightening of the corona measures.
If the infection rate and hospitalizations rise sharply, "we can't avoid this discussion," said the former Vice President of the Swiss Corona Task Force.
Battegay continues to have high hopes for the corona vaccinations * in the fight against the pandemic.
In addition, increased tests *, education and disciplined compliance with protective and hygiene measures should help to enable opening steps.
"Society has to be jolted again," demanded Battegay.
(ph) * Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA