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Microbiologist Michael Wagner of the University of Vienna warns in an interview with “Wien heute” of “mini-epidemics” in the fall. These can arise if not enough people are vaccinated.
“If only 80 percent of Austrians get vaccinated, we still have millions who will be there unvaccinated in the fall and that can then lead to mini-epidemics, which then burden everyone,” Wagner said in the interview. In Vienna, about 48 percent of the total population is currently vaccinated, but the under-25 age group is only about five percent. There is currently no available vaccination for children under twelve.
Concerns about nighttime dining
As a result, Wagner said, there should be no sense that the pandemic is over. “Of course, everyone longs for normalcy and you can enjoy the summer. But you should be aware that you shouldn’t repeat last year’s mistake.” True, one has a better starting situation due to the vaccinations. But Wagner anticipates challenges in the fall because of the Delta variant. “They will be smaller the more cautious and solid we are through the summer.”
The microbiologist believes it makes sense to maintain stricter measures through the summer. Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) had announced, for example, to think about it.
Meanwhile, the nightclub is looking forward to openings after a 15-month hiatus. Stefan Stürzer, operator of the club “Das Werk”, for example, is implementing stricter rules himself: The pub may only be entered with a valid PCR test, a rapid antigen test does not apply. In this way, it is hoped to achieve a safe opening. The city is also providing 10,000 vaccination appointments for nightclub employees.
FFP2 mask requirement to remain
Wagner, meanwhile, is also in favor of mandatory FFP2 masks indoors – such as on public transportation or in schools. “Simply to be prepared for the fall and to give everyone who wants the opportunity to be vaccinated.” It’s probably just a matter of weeks, he said, before vaccination can be offered to the currently vaccine-eligible population. For children under twelve, Wagner expects a solution in the next few months.
Wagner sees sufficient PCR testing, such as for travelers returning home, as another step toward minimizing risk for the fall. It is also important to “conduct aggressive contact tracing,” he said. With the low infection numbers we currently have, you have a huge opportunity with good contact tracing to quickly identify and contain clusters. You can’t let up on that over the summer.”
— source: wien.ORF.at/picture: pixabay.com
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