[ad_1]
Does the everyday mask contribute something, yes or no? This was often debated, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. Today, there is growing scientific evidence that everyday masks, when used correctly, can prevent at least some of the viruses. The president of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt, discussed on Wednesday night on the ZDF talk show “Markus Lanz” exactly what is now considered safe: the effectiveness of everyday masks.
The next morning, SPD health expert and epidemiologist Karl Lauterbach demanded Reinhardt’s resignation, “if he doesn’t retract it immediately.”
Lauterbach also confirmed his statement to SPIEGEL: “I abide by the claim that Mr. Reinhardt as president of the Medical Association is no longer tenable unless he distances himself from these statements,” he said by phone. What Reinhardt presented to “Lanz” is scientifically untenable. All professional associations have clearly positioned themselves when it comes to the efficacy of everyday masks. “The mask requirement is not discussed in German specialist circles,” Lauterbach said. “They protect the wearer and can protect against the transmission of aerosols and droplets, along with other measures, of course.”
The SPD politician is known for his strong scientific perspective on the crown crisis. Not only in Twitter, but also in many media, the epidemiologist promotes a closer network between science and politics and always refers to the current situation of the study in his evaluations.
Reinhardt had a different opinion of “Markus Lanz”, he has been president of the German Medical Association since 2019 and was infected with the corona virus himself in March. Said: He was not convinced of everyday masks because there was no scientific evidence of their effectiveness, he said. “Especially not in self-protection and probably very little in protecting others. It doesn’t stop viruses.” – “Really?” Asked the moderator Markus Lanz incredulously. Reinhardt replied that that was his personal opinion and that there were also scientific studies.
When Lanz referred to scientific studies from Hong Kong demonstrating the positive effect of mouth and nose protection, Reinhardt relented: he can wear mouth and nose protection where a sufficient distance is not possible. “As far as I’m concerned in local public transportation, in small shops or in rooms where you are very close, I want to put up with it,” Reinhardt said.
However, he considers the current discussion about wearing masks in public outdoor spaces to be medical nonsense (read more about the new corona measures and their usefulness here). “I don’t think that works for anything, that’s my personal opinion,” Reinhardt said.
Marburger Bund opposes Reinhardt
He is not alone in his opinion on the use of masks on the street: even the vice president of the German Society for Hospital Hygiene, Walter Popp, does not believe in the masking requirements in city centers. “If you walk past someone, don’t get a coronavirus,” he told SPIEGEL a week ago. Simply walking around town is not a risk, however that changes when you are together for a long time. “At the weekly or Christmas markets or in the stands of soccer stadiums, masks can be helpful in preventing infections,” Popp said.
Reinhardt now also faced headwinds from within his own ranks: “Unfortunately, the president of the German Medical Association recently gave the impression that everyday masks to protect against coronavirus infection are of little value,” said Susanne Johna , president of the Marburger Bund. , according to a press release. “This personal opinion of the president of the German Medical Association contradicts the current status of the study and is apt to discredit the evidence-based concept of minimizing infections that has been effective for months.”
Especially in the current phase of the pandemic, it is important to use clear messages to educate the population on the necessary protection against infection. “For us, as an association of physician employees and officials, there is no doubt that daily use masks reduce the risk of transmission,” said Johna, clarifying the position of the federal association. “In combination with the other measures (keeping your distance, hand hygiene, indoor ventilation, and the Corona warning app), the daily masks also serve to protect against the uncontrolled spread of the virus and help ensure that fewer people get infected and fewer people become seriously ill. “
In the context of protests against the government’s crown measures, in which many protesters did not wear mouth and nose protection in protest, the statements by the President of the Medical College, Reinhardt, seem particularly provocative.
He seemed to be aware of this with “Lanz”: “I definitely don’t want to get involved in this war of masks,” he said. “I just think that in this society we have to think about whether masking should and should become a standard requirement.” I wanted to elevate the discussion to a philosophical level, the topic should be discussed. “When we think about the fact that in the 1970s a masking ban was issued and now we have a masking requirement, then I think it does something to society,” Reinhardt said.
As an example, he cited a patient with mental health problems who could not look the doctor in the office in the face. That’s also important when treating patients, Reinhardt said. “It feels strange sitting across from each other with the hood up.”
Limit term, unacceptable content
“I was also bothered by the term ‘masking requirement,'” Lauterbach said. “I find it borderline. But above all, I was concerned about the content of his statement, it is unacceptable.” Lauterbach criticized the fact that Reinhardt expressed his personal opinion on a public broadcast. “He represents the German medical profession when he appears publicly on talk shows,” he said. “So he is not a private person there.”
The SPD politician seems discontent for a long time with Reinhardt’s work: “It is not his first mistake,” he said. Among other things, Reinhardt has indirectly accused political Berlin of causing panic or exaggeration. “You can be critical of individual measures, but calling them scare tactics is irresponsible,” Lauterbach said. “Then you should make your office available to more suitable people.”
Regardless of how the dispute ends, it points out one thing above all: the disagreement between many important players in the treatment of the pandemic. Not only each federal state seems to be making its own decisions and creating as much chaos as possible. This scandal also generates uncertainty among the population and, therefore, compromises the acceptance of the measures that really help to curb the number of infections.
[ad_2]
