SHARES
“We won’t get rid of masks anytime soon.”
Prof Dr. Christian Drosten, Head Global Health Office and Director Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
An advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel during the crisis, and arguably Germany’s most influential COVID-19 expert, virologist Christian Drosten speaks about what’s to come.
When asked how long the coronavirus pandemic will go on globally, Drosten says that this is hard to estimate. Multiple trial vaccines have been surfacing over the past few months. He projects that the pandemic could last until the end of next year, at least until part of the population is provided a vaccine.
“There’s a significant time difference between the clearance of the vaccine and the provision of the vaccine to the whole population,” Drosten adds.
Nations of higher coronavirus concern
One thing is evident, some countries are much harder hit than others in this global coronavirus pandemic. Drosten touches on which countries are of the biggest concern at this moment.
“I believe India is our current biggest concern. With its population density, the virus is spreading in an almost uncontrolled fashion. Other areas of concern are places in South America, in Northern Hemisphere, and Europe where winter is approaching. It will be imperative to impose stricter measures very soon.”
“We see an increase in similar coronavirus case surges in Europe, France, the UK, Spain. What we observe in those countries is what we will see happen in Germany if we do not react early to adjust for stricter controls. Measures should be bearable for the economy and at the same time, targeted. This is a difficult task, to find the right point of time, to modify the intervention measures that are in place right now. The biggest challenge is to recognize that turning point,” Drosten shared.
Practical steps to save lives
With the ever-changing pandemic situation, Drosten extends some clarity on the measures to prevent an overwhelmed health system.
“There is clear scientific proof on wearing masks, and independent support from health organizations for hand hygiene and keeping a safe distance. However, one crucial intervention would be to speak to the public. Everyone should have adequate education on the basic principles of the transmission of the virus. It is not sufficient to impose rules that individuals don’t understand.”
“The cooperation of the population in the coming months is probably one of the most important functions in the concept of intervention. We hope for a vaccine, we have to hope for a vaccine. There is no other way out of this situation.”
by Jemima Joseph
Using words to create communities. Intrinsically passionate about people, music, and the arts. View all articles by Jemima Joseph.
