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Sunday 01 November 2020
In Germany, November is marked by a partial lockdown. But even after that, virologist Drosten doesn’t expect any rapid normalization and the pandemic to continue into spring. He’s more optimistic about next summer, on one condition.
Virologist Christian Drosten from the Berlin Charité does not expect rapid normalization despite the partial shutdown to combat the corona pandemic. “One thing is certain: the pandemic is not over at Easter,” he told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. “But by the summer at the latest, our lives can change significantly for the better, if we can now control the increasing number of infections.”
The scientist, who also advises the federal government, believes that the political decision to keep schools open during the crisis is correct. “Stronger precautions and a mask requirement are now in place in schools – we hope this will help prevent infection.”
Rapid tests in a few weeks
Wider dissemination of rapid tests could help in the fight against the pandemic, Drosten said. “If they are available in sufficient quantities, we can assess vulnerable groups very regularly and at a low threshold level,” he said. “Also, you can determine not only if someone is infected, but also if they are infectious. This can make it easier to handle quarantine or contact bans.” So, for example, a premature end of isolation is conceivable. Expect more use of the tests in a few weeks.
Drosten recommended constant caution in everyday life: “It would be better if we all pretended that we are infected and want to protect others from infection.” At the same time, the tables can be turned by pretending that “the other is infected and we want to protect ourselves. This is what our behavior results from.”
The measures agreed by the federal and state governments will take effect on Monday due to the recent sharp increase in the number of infections in Germany. For example, restaurants and bars can no longer receive guests and cultural and leisure facilities are closed. However, schools and nurseries remain open. Contact restraints also tighten.
