"Hi, it's us. The #risk group. You thought we were chain-smoking, terminally ill, or at least old? Far from it. None of us are retirees and we like going to clubs, bars and concerts as much as you do. What we don't feel like is dying. "
The corona virus is spreading, the number of infections is increasing rapidly every day. In Germany, 13,957 people are currently infected with the coronaviurs. 31 people have already died as a result. (As of March 20, 2020, 10 a.m., source: Robert Koch Institute). But people still ignore the federal government's warnings, meet in parks and cafes, and pretend that nothing is. To make it clear how many people are at risk from the corona virus, a group of young people has now started using the hashtag #Risk group explain why the virus is so dangerous for them.
The campaign includes, for example, Denis, Amelie, Kati and Oli. In the text of the pictures they report: "They are paralyzed below the cervical spine and can cough up really badly – the virus could kill them. Kati has spina bifida and a lung volume of half a liter – you can imagine how practical it is for a violent infection. Raul and Leonard have glass bones – same story. Laura has a muscular disorder for which the virus is just as deadly as the lungs of Jan, who is paraplegic ".
The campaign participants urge their fellow human beings to keep their distance.
What we don't feel like is dying. But that is not exactly unlikely if you do not just stay at home for the next few weeks and limit your social scope for a few weeks (…)
The danger from the virus is real: "But that's still no reason to die – we think. I hope you too. So stick to the recommendations and save human lives – that of us, but also of many other #risk groups: people with previous illnesses, people with other chronic diseases. "
"I want to know who we have to protect"
In the meantime, there is also a Facebook group for the campaign, in which many affected people exchange ideas. But not only that! Participants in the group are also people who want to know what they can do to protect the risk group. A teacher writes: "I am not sure if you want me here. I am not part of the risk group, but I am here to find out who we need to take special care of. As a teacher, I am close to my students and share my knowledge with them so they understand why it is important to stay at home instead of meeting in the city. "
A strong sign of solidarity in this difficult time, when it is more important than ever to stick to one another.
"Will die later"
The campaign was started by Raul Krauthausen, an activist who works for social projects such as inclusion and accessibility. Anyone wishing to join the campaign is cordially invited to: "You are still far from 60 and in the #risk group? Give her a face. Post, talk about it, get help. Use this hashtag. Join the band. Because: people will die later. Much later. Rock and roll, your #risk group ".
The Robert Koch Institute provides an overview of the risk groups here.
Would you like to exchange ideas with others about corona virus? Then check out our BRIGITTE community.