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Christian Drosten in June
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
Autumn is approaching, and in combination with new virus variants, virologist Christian Drosten therefore expects a strong “incidence wave” of corona infections “before December”.
Even in the case of mild illnesses, this will probably lead to significant work losses, said the director of virology at the Berlin Charité in an interview with the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (“SZ”).
“Infected people may not go to the hospital, but a great many are sick for a week.
If there are too many at once, it becomes a problem,” says Drosten.
That is why politicians must make better preparations.
"Before so many people get sick that you can't buy anything anymore, that the hospitals don't work anymore or there are no police officers at the station, you have to take measures," Drosten told the "SZ".
He called on politicians to work towards a consensus now, "on which signals one wants to act and how".
Because in "an emergency, immediate and quite drastic decisions are needed".
Drosten expects, among other things, that wearing a mask indoors will become necessary again.
Drosten expects temporary company closures
The federal government had agreed on a new infection protection law this Thursday (read more about it here).
From October 1st to April 7th, 2023, the legislative package provides for further rules on masks and tests.
The federal states should impose requirements, for example on mask requirements indoors, and can also expand them in a critical situation.
FFP2 masks should apply nationwide in clinics, nursing homes, medical practices and long-distance trains.
Virologist Drosten now advised the economy, with a view to autumn, to prepare for a wave of illnesses with deputy regulations and team building.
»I also assume that there will definitely be companies that have to close for two weeks.«
However, he expects that people will reduce their contacts more on their own in the fall.
“When people notice that people are getting sick all around them, they might not go out in the evening after all,” said Drosten.
Lauterbach defends the government
Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach only expects a “moderate wave” in autumn.
In an interview with the »Rheinische Post«, the SPD politician was confident that the government was »very well prepared for all scenarios«.
"We will keep the corona wave under control this year," said Lauterbach, referring to the new Infection Protection Act.
"We no longer need to close schools or the hospitality industry," the minister said.
Lockdowns are also "no longer justifiable," said Lauterbach.
(Read here how Corona could continue in the long term. ).
According to the minister, lockdowns are only an option in the event of a new pandemic situation.
"But I don't see the danger," said Lauterbach.
kko/dpa