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On Thursday, epidemiologist Gerald Gartlehner was a guest on “ZiB 2.” He commented on the current status of the crown and the impending closure.
In view of the still high crown numbers and the current infection rate, Austria is threatened with a lockdown again. “Today”-According to the information, he should already be 26.12. they went into effect, just 20 days after the second strict lockdown ended. This time it is to apply until January 10. (All information on the imminent closure rules here >>) A government meeting on Friday is supposed to clarify.
Epidemiologist Gerald Gartlehner from the University of the Danube Krems was a guest on “ZiB 2” with Lou Lorenz-Dittlbacher. In the context of the second lockdown just ending, the number of cases is currently “alarmingly high,” Gartlehner said. He described that Austria is currently unable to protect Covid 19 risk groups in nursing homes and nursing homes from infections. The fact that the trade is reopening and is causing a storm in the stores will also cause the numbers to rise in the coming days. “With that we will reach a relatively high level relatively quickly.”
In his opinion, it would have made sense to extend the lockdown for another two or three weeks and thus have the numbers under control. Since this was not possible due to the holidays, a particular goal must now be pursued: the protection of risk groups. The protection of the vulnerable population group “we simply do not manage”. Massive testing would be particularly helpful here. His suggestion is, with the support of the military, to test the visitors and employees of these facilities more specifically and periodically, approximately two or three times a week. Both residents and staff must be tested.
Try before holidays
Regarding the massive tests, the epidemiologist said that the way they were carried out in Austria did not have a lasting effect. This shows the fact that it is currently being considered that everything will be closed again and send Austria to the third blockade.
Gartlehnerins also recommended, especially for the holidays, to get tested before visiting family. The rapid tests provided can greatly reduce the risk of infecting grandparents, for example. However, he cautioned that the parties should be held in small groups despite the easing.
Vaccination: when will it be effective?
“Vaccination is our only way back to a normal life, which probably won’t be the case until the end of 2021.” The main objective of vaccines is to control the infection process and thus relieve hospitals.
Finally, he said that Corona will probably be with us until the fall.
