A total of 52,338 people insured with the ÖGK health insurance fund were off sick with COVID-19 in the previous week (week 50). This is just over 25 percent more than the 41,690 cases in the previous week—a new high.
In addition to the coronavirus sickness figures, the number of people registered as unfit for work with flu-like infections at ÖGK rose from 90,405 to 102,274 in the previous week. According to this data, there were 888 cases of “real” flu, i.e., influenza (week 49: 568).
In total, more than 155,000 people with respiratory infections could not work. “The current wave of colds has Austria firmly in its grip,” emphasized ÖGK chief physician Andreas Krauter.
Masks, hand washing and vaccinations recommended
“The numbers of all three illnesses – real flu, flu-like infections and Covid – are rising steadily. That’s why it’s particularly important to protect yourself and those around you in the Christmas run-up, ” Krauter said in an ÖGK press release.
“I recommend wearing a mask and washing and disinfecting your hands frequently when in crowds, and if you have not yet been vaccinated against influenza or COVID, now is the right time.”
Since July 1, 2023, COVID-19 is no longer considered a notifiable disease, which also means less testing. The actual incidence of infection is, therefore, visible via wastewater monitoring.
- source:orf.at/picture: pixabay.com
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