Thursday February 18, 2021
Dahmen in the "ntv early start"
"We have a new pandemic"
The Greens health expert, Janosch Dahmen, who recently worked as a doctor, warns of many additional deaths due to the rapid spread of the mutation B.1.1.7. The current figures give little hope.
The Green MP Janosch Dahmen, who will continue to work as senior doctor until November 2020, warns of a new wave of infection in view of the spread of the virus mutation B.1.1.7. "The situation is very, very serious because of the mutation. We are in a race against these mutations," said Dahmen in the "ntv early start". The number of infections had recently fallen, but Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn announced yesterday that the proportion of the more contagious virus mutation B.1.1.7 was already over 20 percent of new infections.
The consequence: "We actually have to say that we have a new pandemic within the pandemic," explained Dahmen. On the one hand, the number of cases of the original type went down, according to the Greens health expert, but this is all taking place under the guise of the mutation, in which the R value is 1.3, "so it is clearly increasing".
Dahmen added that the numbers should be viewed soberly. One could relax in some places, but: "If we are not more consistent with the measures that apply and are really very careful here, then we simply assume from the current developments that we will have a turnaround." This has resulted in renewed increases in new infections, a burden in the health system and "again many additional deaths."
"Astrazeneca Vaccine Is Safe"
When asked whether Dahmen would also be vaccinated with the vaccine from the Astrazeneca company, the Green politician said: "Definitely." The vaccine offers 70 percent greater protection, which is "very valuable," said Dahmen. Further: "The vaccine is effective and it is safe."
However, Dahmen also said that the mutations in the coronavirus meant that all vaccines had to be looked at "again very carefully". This is a normal process in order to be able to offer effective protection in the further course.
Dahmen emphasized how important the role model function of doctors is when it comes to vaccination: "It is important that doctors and other people in the health care system are now vaccinated as role models and do persuasion."
Rapid tests for everyone
Federal Health Minister Spahn recently announced that rapid tests would also be used across the board from March 1. Accordingly, local authorities should be able to commission test centers or pharmacies with such test offers. The federal government should bear the costs. Dahmen said: "Rapid tests are a very important handrail, which we now urgently need in large numbers."
However, Dahmen also emphasized that he did not believe in quick tests only in pharmacies or with doctors: "Where we really need them is for self-application. I demand that we get two quick tests for self-application per week for every citizen and provide additional tests at low cost. " This is the only way to "effectively" fight the pandemic, including mutations.
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