The virologist Christian Drosten expects a strong “wave of incidence” of corona infections “before December”. New virus variants are still causing many new cases of illness, warned the director of virology at the Berlin Charité in an interview with the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". Even in the case of mild illnesses, this will probably lead to significant absences from work. "Infected people may not come to the hospital, but many are sick for a week. If there are too many at once, it becomes a problem," said Drosten. That is why politicians must make better preparations.

"Before so many people get sick that you can't buy anything anymore, that the hospitals don't work anymore or there are no police officers at the station, you have to take measures," Drosten told the "SZ". He called on politicians to work towards a consensus now, "on which signals one wants to act and how". Because in "in an emergency, immediate and quite drastic decisions are needed". Drosten expects, among other things, that wearing a mask indoors will become necessary again.

He also advised the economy to prepare for a wave of illness with deputy regulations and team building. "I also assume that there will definitely be companies that have to close for two weeks."

Lauterbach is confident

Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach only expects a “moderate wave” in autumn. In an interview with the "Rheinische Post", the SPD politician was confident that the government is "very well prepared for all scenarios". "We will keep the corona wave under control this year," said Lauterbach, referring to the new Infection Protection Act, which, among other things, prohibits the wearing of FFP2 masks "on buses and trains, in long-distance transport, in clinics and care facilities and in doctor's offices". foresee.

“We no longer need to close schools or the hospitality industry,” said the minister. Lockdowns are also “no longer justifiable”, unless there is a pandemic situation again. "But I don't see the danger," said Lauterbach.