Status: 27.10.2023, 19:08 PM
By: Ulrike Hagen
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Just in time for the autumn season, the number of infections with Corona and other respiratory diseases is rising. The first clinics have already reintroduced a mask requirement.
Munich – In view of the approaching winter and in view of rising corona numbers, the large hospitals in Frankfurt and Munich are sounding the alarm. Experts warn of the new infection season in autumn and winter, as well as of the spreading virus variant "Pirola", about which little is still known. Doctors advise wearing masks, and the first hospitals have even reintroduced the obligation to wear masks for visitors.
Just in time for the autumn season, the number of infections with Corona and other respiratory diseases is rising. The first clinics have already reintroduced a mask requirement. (Symbolic image) © Boris Roessler/dpa/Symbolbild
Corona in winter: Clinics advise masks again - "from O to O"
The hospitals in Munich have launched a prevention campaign called "From O to O", which aims to encourage people to "wear masks from October to Easter, especially in public, enclosed spaces, of course on a voluntary basis". Dr. Clemens Wendtner, chief physician of the Munich Clinic Schwabing, emphasized the importance of this measure to the Augsburger Allgemeine, also in view of the new Corona variant BA.2.86 or Pirola, whose symptoms are not yet fully understood.
With these symptoms, an infection with the Corona variant "Pirola" can manifest itself:
- Red and sore fingers or toes
- Hoarseness and sneezing
- Changes in the mouth or tongue, such as swelling or ulcers in the mouth and tongue, or on the inside of the mouth and lips
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Itchy or reddened eyes
- Inflammation in the throat
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Source: Zoe Health Study
University Hospital Frankfurt: "Urgent recommendation" on masks for employees
In mid-September, the Frankfurt University Hospital issued a guideline for all clinical employees to wear mouth-nose protection. "This is not a specific measure because of Corona," explained Prof. Jürgen Graf, Medical Director, to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "It is a preventive measure to provide general protection against seasonal infectious diseases at a time of frequent infections." The main goal is "to ensure that we remain able to work in view of the tense personnel situation".
Mask rule for Corona in winter: First clinics with mask requirement for visitors
In most clinics, the guidelines only apply to employees. Hitherto. The first hospitals – such as the Varisano Kliniken Frankfurt-Main-Taunus – have even reintroduced a "mask requirement for visitors" from 20 October.
Corona numbers are rising again - Bavaria with an incidence of 19.8
The rising corona numbers illustrate a clear trend. The number of corona infections in Bavaria rose from 41 in the previous week to 2559 reported cases in Week 3147. Within the last week, 19.8 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants were reported in the Free State (as of October 21, 2023). For comparison, the "7-day incidence" throughout Germany was 14.3.
More patients are also requiring inpatient treatment, as reported by Munich's chief physician Wendtner. Despite, or perhaps because of, the relatively low number of cases, there was a lack of precise knowledge about the clinical symptoms of the new "Pirola" variant. There are reports of "severe skin changes and disorders in blood circulation", but too little is known.
"Be careful without spreading panic": first clinics reintroduce masks
The number of Covid-19 cases is picking up speed again in autumn 2023, including in intensive care. The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) has recorded an increase in the number of patients requiring intensive medical treatment. Currently, 104 intensive care beds in Bavaria are occupied by confirmed Covid-19 cases. Although the numbers are still low compared to the past two years, the curve is rising again.
Wendtner emphasizes: "For me, this is also the reason to continue to be cautious and to put on the brakes a bit – without spreading panic." He points out the risk of post-Covid and explains: "An infection can cause many consequential damages, such as inflammation of the heart muscle." Therefore, it is important to continue to pay attention.
The RKI advises masks - for high-risk patients and respiratory diseases
A renewed obligation to wear masks on public transport or other areas in Germany is not yet under discussion. However, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) emphasizes that wearing masks indoors during periods of heavy virus circulation can provide additional protection against infection. In particular, people in high-risk groups should wear masks for self-protection, while people with acute respiratory symptoms should use a mask to protect others.