Complexity researcher Peter Klimek sees the current omicron wave subsiding, so the reduction of free PCR tests is “epidemiologically justifiable.“ However, he expects a new wave – “at the latest” in autumn.
As of Friday, there will only be five free PCR tests per month per person (with some exceptions). This will also impact the incidence of infections, says complexity researcher Peter Klimek in the “Wien Heute” interview. “Maybe we won’t necessarily find many fewer cases, but many cases might have been detected a little earlier.” Thus, this measure will have a “bit of an accelerating effect” on the incidence of infection – but not to such an extent that it would jeopardize the downward trend in the number of cases.
That is why he considers the measure “epidemiologically justifiable.“ After all, there are now other methods for general monitoring, such as analyzing wastewater. Klimek believes that this wave is coming to an end. “Many people have been infected now, so the virus is running out of wood to burn. On the other hand, the warmer seasons are coming, where we also know that the virus cannot spread so quickly and easily,” says the complexity researcher.
The longer specific measures, such as the mandatory use of masks, are observed, the faster the number of cases will continue to fall. He assumes that the next weeks and months will be a bit calmer. After that, however, the situation will become more difficult to assess – and will depend on several factors. On the one hand, it is important to observe whether there are new variants and, on the other hand, to what extent the widespread immunization through the omicron wave will continue.
“Then we have to see whether we need another vaccination campaign to slow down the coming new wave.” Klimek is sure that it will come: the new wave will come “at the latest” in autumn – “if a new variant does not cause us problems even earlier.“
- source: wien.ORF.at/picture: pixabay.com
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