[ad_1]
The masks are uncomfortable. Still, many have gotten used to it. Photo: trapezoidal
Well-armed hospitals and enough evidence: not everything is as bad as it seems
At the beginning of this second wave, we are completely tired of the crown. And yet somehow they are better than spring.
We are still waiting for a vaccine, the virus has not gotten more dangerous or weaker, and the financial situation even more precarious. But we have learned much more about how to cope with pandemics in five of the following six points:
We are creatures of habit
In the spring we were able to talk for hours about the handshake to say hello and whether they can give homemade cakes to grandparents. Now we can use Corona. Incubation period, exponential growth, or remdesivir are standard vocabulary. The adhesive strips on the floor taught us to keep our distance and somehow we opened doors, but not with our hands. We got cooler. It is not that we want a confinement now, on the contrary (see point 3), but we no longer panic and drag mountains of toilet paper home.
The application would be ready
Unlike Spring, a fully functional Covid app is now available that supports contact tracing so sources of infection can be quickly discovered. However, to date, only 1.3 million Swiss have downloaded the app on their smartphones. 130 people were discovered infected with corona, which, according to co-developer Marcel Salathé, is a success because it shows the efficiency of the application. The only thing missing is the availability of cargo. We are now well equipped in the home office. March’s skepticism has given way. Many have recognized the advantages, have installed their digital office in their living room, and the family has become accustomed to digital intruders that appear unshaven off the screen. The winners of the digital crown are digital wallets.
No more people united
In the spring, Switzerland was almost a united nation of solidarity-based virus fighters, but society has now been divided. The fatigue of the crown is rampant, the yearning for a normal life increases. While some still objectively dispute the severity of the measures, a small minority develop hostile images and insult scientists, politicians and the media. Already shaken by the first lockdown, things are now looking bleak again for the restaurant, culture and sports industries after a short recovery. The blocking experience is of little use here.
Enough evidence
The results of 28,328 tests were reported yesterday. This means that six times more tests are carried out today than at the beginning of the pandemic. Reliable PCR tests are standard. At first, there was very little testing available and there was still no worldwide testing in August. Pharmaceutical companies have now increased their capabilities, but demand is also increasing. Tourism experts await the new rapid tests. With these, the test result is known in 15 minutes. With the quick results, the quarantine is expected to be shortened, for example. However, the BAG has not yet approved them.
We wear masks
It is true that we used to smile at Asian tourists with their masks. Now we use masks to match the evening dress and the risky situation on site. When we get off the train, sometimes we forget to take them off, that gets us used to (see point 1). Above all, there are enough masks for everyone. Medical staff don’t have to put them in the oven to dry because supplies got stuck in a neighboring country. Meanwhile, Switzerland itself produces masks of all kinds and quality and there are enough available abroad.
Hospitals are armed
The last is the most important point of all. The ultimate safety net, so to speak: Hospital staff now have experience with Covid-19. The processes are well established and work can be concentrated on what really helps: an anti-inflammatory drug, anticoagulants for thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, remdesivir for anoxia. Patients arrive at the hospital earlier and therefore have a better prognosis. You can wait longer with ventilation. This also reduces the workload in intensive care units and there is enough ventilator and staff to monitor those who need it for longer. If hospitals do not reach their capacity limits, this has a positive effect on the chances of survival. The latest safety net is reliably maintained if measures to contain the pandemic go into effect beforehand.
