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In the crown crisis, fake news in particular is spreading rapidly. Virologist Christian Drosten is surprised by the content circulating on the Internet, and attacks the so-called “experts”.
In addition to fighting the spread of the coronavirus, another challenge has been opened up for society not only in Germany: fighting the spread of false information about the pandemic. virologist Christian Drosten Now he has voiced strong criticism of social media and colleagues. “It is difficult to summarize what circulates on social networks, mainly in the form of videos, some of which have millions of visits and full of nonsense they are, “explains Drosten in the current edition of the NDR podcast” Corona Virus Update. ”
Drosten and many other scientists around the world had recently signed an open letter asking companies behind social media to act more vigorously against fake news. The Charité scientist in Berlin also sees a problem in the statements made by his colleagues: “There are some doctors and professors who fool around the world who have never worked on these issues, but whom you believe because of their academic qualifications.” And, of course, there are real conspiracy theorists. “And also:” It echoes back to me in the form of accusations and questions. “
“What I hear is without foundation”
People would presume to simulate experience in subjects that are not in their field at all: “I am also a teacher. But I would never dare to advertise anything that contains so much opinion.”
For example on bacteria. I am a virologist. I would never comment on a bacteriological issue. But that is almost the same for ordinary viewers, viruses and bacteria. But not for a scientist. “
He was appalled at the lack of specialized knowledge: “What I hear from the apparent experts, they certainly were or were experts, but in their own field of research, it lacks any basis. These are general places that do not go beyond knowledge of knowledge from student textbooks. ” “The consequences are fatal:” This is how you back up the really dangerous conspiracy theorists. That is irresponsible. “
Therefore, lay people should pay attention to the subject area of a potential public speaking expert. “And then you have to take a closer look at how he specializes. Is there any indication that the specialist community respects them as experts? And if that’s not the case, then you should stay away from him.”
Drosten defends Lauterbach
In this context, Drosten also protects SPD politician Karl Lauterbach, who was recently attacked on social media for some of his public appearances. “I read how he was criticized. Commentators wrote that he should go less on the talk show and pay attention to how he behaves,” Drosten said. This would also cast doubt on Lauterbach’s competent statements. “It targets a person and therefore complies with the content that the person says, but this content is absolutely correct.”
Lauterbach is rightly considered the SPD medical expert. “What he says about himself on social media is simply the state of affairs. He knows his way and is an epidemiologist of his basic training. And at first it doesn’t matter if someone discovers that he sits too much on talk shows.” It is made public and provides information. correct content“
Drosten: “not necessary” a distance of two meters in the outdoor areas of restaurants
Lauterbach’s criticism of the opening of restaurants in the course of loosening the crown measures was justified: there would be sprays due to exhalation and coughing. Drosten emphasizes that air circulation is also important in closed rooms.
Christian Drosten’s recommendation: Outdoor areas of restaurants and pubs should be preferred to indoor areas in the current situation. (Source: Christian Ohde / imago images)
“There must be a subtle air flow to extract air from outside.” However, outside restaurant areas are relatively safe areas where “a distance of two meters is probably not necessary.” “Because anyway that dazzles what is transmitted about aerosol transmission.” Indoors, Drosten says, it’s best to sit with the windows open. And on bad, cold days when the window can’t be opened, there are fewer guests.
Drosten also has a suggestion: “Why can’t restaurateurs use sidewalks? These days, you can make exceptions to local authorities and say that bars put their tables on the sidewalk, as long as they don’t endanger pedestrians.” . “
