Immunologist on corona pandemic: “We are growing uncontrollably”



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“Very clear measures” are needed to control the pandemic, says immunologist Meyer-Hermann in the daily topics. It recommends, for example, a constant mask requirement, and it also attracts the population.

In view of the infection situation in Germany, immunologist Michael Meyer-Hermann appeals to the population to do more to reduce the number of cases. The results of the federal-state meeting, in regard to concrete measures, “perhaps did not meet expectations.” He himself had pointed out that it was necessary to rethink and that making some improvements was not enough. “But there have to be very clear measures if you want to change things now. Because we are currently experiencing uncontrolled growth that otherwise you cannot stop.”

As a measure, he mentioned, for example, implementing the mask requirement very consistently, and not just a limit of 35 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days. “We could think if it would not be possible for us to leave the house and put on the masks and thus protect our environment and protect ourselves. That it will simply become a normal, a new culture that we live with for the first time, so that we can eliminate this virus from our society to the extent that we can live normally again. ”That did not happen and no actual restrictions were decided on. travel. “I think we have to be more explicit so that we have a chance to really contain what is happening now.”

Reduce the number of daily contacts

He described the fact that there are such different measures in Germany as “probably not useful”. “I think the population needs a clear signal. And this clear signal cannot be that the prime ministers are now arguing about whether the accommodation ban is good or not. And that is why I ask: if the prime ministers cannot agree.” So the population has to see for itself that it is necessary to really pay attention here and do more than what is written in the resolutions. “

He himself had said at the top of the federal and state crown that it was not five to twelve, but twelve. Is development still under control at this time? “That’s the question. I said twelve o’clock; five to twelve means that we can assume, if we act clearly now, that we can still turn things around. Twelve o’clock means we don’t really know which way we are falling. “Everyone can do something for themselves to reduce the number of cases. “There is a very simple rule: everyone has a certain number of contacts per day. And if we cut it down to a little less than half, then we have a real chance to fix it.”

Meyer-Hermann is head of the department for systems immunology at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research in Braunschweig. He had advised Chancellor Angela Merkel and prime ministers in their hour-long debates on Wednesday. He had already warned of the dangers of the corona pandemic in recent months and came out in favor of consistent restrictions.

Daily topics reported on this topic on October 15, 2020 at 10:15 pm


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