The virologist Hendrik Streeck sees Germany on the right track despite the high corona numbers in the omicron wave. The measures could soon be relaxed.
Cologne – The Omicron variant is driving up the number of corona cases in Germany. New highs are being reached almost daily. Nevertheless, more and more countries are withdrawing their measures, Denmark, for example, is completely lifting its rules for combating pandemics. In Germany, too, such demands are becoming ever louder. Hendrik Streeck, on the other hand, advocates maintaining certain corona measures. However, the virologist also predicts a bad end to the wave.
“We are currently still at a very high point in time, where the number of infections is still increasing,” Hendrik Streeck assessed the infection rate in Germany in an interview with Pinar Atalay on RTL. At this point he would not loosen up.
Omicron wave: Virologist Hendrik Streeck expects a “trend reversal” in two weeks
“I think we’re on the right track,” explained Streeck, speaking of an “imminent trend reversal”. You can already see from the R value that the growth in the number of infections is declining. “We will have this reversal in one to two weeks and then you can think about openings,” said the virologist on Monday evening (01/31/2022) in the RTL interview.
Politicians could already prepare an opening strategy now, explained the director of the Institute for Virology and HIV Research at the University of Bonn. However, Hendrik Streeck warns that the Corona measures should be adhered to until then. Already on Monday morning he had warned in the ZDF morning magazine to limit the contacts in the Omicron wave. “It’s about bridging time,” said the virologist and announced a “good summer”.
Omicron: Hendrik Streeck comments on compulsory corona vaccination
In view of the new sub-variants of Omikron, Hendrik Streeck called for composure. “The virus mutates constantly and we get a lot of new mutations or combinations of different variants every year,” explained the virologist in the RTL interview. Of course, something like this has to be monitored. “But before we have really secure data on it, there is little point in speculating and drawing conclusions from it.” According to Streeck, it is important to realistically assess what certain mutations can mean.
With the rapid formation of new variants, Hendrik Streeck also justifies his rejection of compulsory corona vaccination. Streeck had been criticized for his attitude. Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, had stated that scientists should not give any political advice.
“Unfortunately, science has become political, and the virus has also become political,” explained Hendrik Streeck in an RTL interview when Pinar Atalay asked him about it. He could understand the obligation to vaccinate politically and emotionally. However, because the virus mutates so often that the vaccine is more of a self-protection and no protection for others, he is critical of the obligation to vaccinate. (ms)
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