After the corona wave is before the corona wave. Christmas falls between Delta and Omikron this year. Nevertheless, there are of course meetings with family and friends at Christmas. But how can you make these meetings safe? Tests, hygiene rules and apps help.
For many people, Christmas is comparable to crossing the finish line. This is especially true for 2021, a year in which the pandemic demanded a lot from us. Accordingly, the longing for a few quiet days and a peaceful Christmas with loved ones is great.
But that is a challenge: Delta is still dominating the infection process in Germany and the probably even more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus will hit us with force sooner or later. As for safe family celebrations at Christmas, what precautions should we take?
Tip 1: boosters
The corona vaccination is a sensible thing, after the double vaccination for basic immunization, the STIKO now also advises a third vaccination after a minimum interval of three months. If you need an appointment quickly before the festival, you should find it here.
Tip 2: test what it takes
Do not rely on vaccination or convalescence protection alone. This is especially true at Christmas, because the whole family traditionally meets here and all age groups come together. A rapid antigen test provides additional security. You can also save with the discount code Deal30.
At Christmas it is a good strategy for everyone to test themselves daily, says the virologist Daniela Huzly from the Freiburg University Hospital. The reason is: These tests can often be false-negative, especially when an infection begins. “The day after, they are sometimes positive.” So before you get together in the family, everyone should test themselves, including children who were mostly in kindergarten or school until shortly before the party.
In addition to the self-test at home, you can also go to official rapid test stations. One test per week is free. The pharmacy search helps locate test stations in the vicinity. If there are no more free appointments, the online services can still be an alternative.
Tip 3: FFP2 masks and hygiene rules
Take to heart what experts emphasize again and again: Do not lull yourself into a false sense of security because you have been vaccinated and the rapid test was negative. Do not neglect the hygiene rules that were so present everywhere, especially at the beginning of the pandemic: DThis includes regular ventilation, keeping your distance, coughing and sneezing only in the crook of your arm and, if necessary, wearing an FFP2 mask, which is very good additional protection.
FFP2 masks put to the test: Winner of the Stiftung Warentest (July 2021)
Source: 3M 3M Aura respirator mask 9320+ (20 pieces)
According to Stiftung Warentest, 100% suitable. High effectiveness against aerosols, high wearing comfort.
around 45 euros
To the shop (Amazon)
Source: Lindenpartner Lindenpartner FFP2 Particle filtering half mask NR LP2
According to Stiftung Warentest, 100% suitable. High effectiveness against aerosols, high wearing comfort.
around 10 euros
To the shop (Amazon)
Source: Moldex Moldex FFP2 NR D 2400+ Classic
According to Stiftung Warentest, 100% suitable. High effectiveness against aerosols, high wearing comfort.
around 40 euros
To the shop (Voelkner)
Tip 4: PCR test as an option
PCR tests are significantly more sensitive compared to rapid antigen tests. So if you want to know more or want to meet people from risk groups, you can invest around 40 to 100 euros. The advantage of the PCR tests is they work even with a very low viral load and thus may recognize a possible infection earlier.
Tip 5: Get support via the app
The Corona warning app belongs on every mobile phone, if only to carry the digital vaccination certificate with you. This is also possible with the CovPass app, but the Corona Warning app also offers the tracing function for contact tracking. What is also possible: You can also create a QR code for private meetings in the Corona warning app. To do this, tap on “Create QR code” in the overview.
Since many people are out and about around Christmas and the Corona rules differ in the individual federal states, apps like May I do that are also different. recommended that you inform about the currently applicable corona rules on site. (with material from dpa)