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From a virological point of view, an antigen test that is valid for several days does not make sense. Virologist Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl explained Sunday at “ZiB2”.
The government is currently struggling with its “free trial” model. The plan: as of January 18, those who tested negative for the antigen will be able to enjoy gastronomy, culture, sports and more. In cultural events. In sports or tourist facilities, the tests must not be older than 48 hours. According to the government, the negative result is “valid” for a week in the restaurant sector.
But this is not just a problem for the opposition, which has unanimously announced that it will block the necessary law. Virologists also express criticism. Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl from MedUni Vienna, for example, who questions the turquoise green strategy in the interview “ZiB 2”. “Virologists already have a problem with the term ‘free test’ because an antigen test means for the individual that he is negative the day he is negative. And the next day he can look completely different again. It makes sense to do the concepts for a test of antigen immediately before the event, but you can’t say that for days, “said Puchhammer-Stöckl.
The facilities depend on the crown numbers
According to Puchhammer-Stöckl, overall relaxation definitely depends on the numbers. “I think it’s too early to model what January 18 will be like, but a number needs to be reached. We assume this 7-day incidence is 50. We are now at 160, I think,” she says. But the crown numbers are not stabilizing yet. “This lack of waste, which we have seen in recent days, dates back to Christmas and before Christmas. Next week we should see if the strict closure will take effect from the 26th.”
Conceivable locking extension
What if this goal is not achieved? The expert does not consider a blocking extension ruled out. “You definitely have to think about it. We will probably know by the end of next week how we will be on the 18th and what to do next will be decided by the government.”
Mutation of the virus: “Suppose it is already in Austria”
When dealing with Britain’s new variant of the virus, the measurements cannot be changed, says Puchhammer-Stöckl. “The same applies to the new variant as the old one: keeping your distance, wearing a mask also helps against infections with the new variant,” he says. However, he made one sit down and take note: “It can be assumed that it has already been introduced in Austria. There is hardly a country free of this mutation now,” he says. However, Austria’s new crown mutation has yet to be officially tested.
