The Corona Commission issued a warning of a new crisis from the Omicron Variant after its meeting on Thursday.
In all likelihood, this will lead to a wave of infections “that may have significant economic and social adverse effects,” the body said in a release. For now, the situation is somewhat relaxed. Burgenland and Vienna have even left the high-risk area.
High risk from Omicron in Austria
The systemic risk posed by Omicron is assessed as “very high.” The commission points out that, due to the fourth wave of the epidemic, the pavement stands in intensive care units and normal wards still have a high load, which is expected to reduce too slowly to be able to cope with renewed heavy influxes without supply restrictions.
Contact reduction and testing recommended before Christmas parties
Even with a potentially reduced disease burden of the omicron variety, healthcare system overloads posed a realistic risk based solely on the expected high numbers of people infected at any one time. “Essential” countermeasures recommended include mandatory FFP2 in all settings, testing even those vaccinated before gatherings at Christmas time, home offices and avoiding crowds.
Urgent vaccination recommendation from traffic light commission
In addition, there is the urgent recommendation to continue vaccinating, as this is the most effective means according to the current status. Currently, just 33 percent in Austria have been boosted. Scientists recently assumed that only the third sting would have a relatively good effect against Omicron. Also, only just under 69 percent have received at least two vaccinations.
Decline in ICU patients continues
Prior to the widespread arrival of Omicron, the situation still looks quite good, with a decline in ICU patients currently being assumed everywhere. With Burgenland and Vienna, two federal states made it out of the highest risk level this week. Both were switched to orange, which indicates “only” high risk.
- sources: APA/vienna.at/picture: Image by Florian Pircher from Pixabay
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