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The new variant of the virus worries scientists around the world. A South African doctor, however, reports mild symptoms. SPD politician Karl Lauterbach reacts.
Berlin – A few days ago, Corona cases with the virus variant Omikron occurred for the first time in South Africa. Since then, the new variant has been considered a “super mutation”. Many countries are stopping inbound traffic and closing their borders again. In the meantime, Omikron has also arrived in Germany. Three cases had been confirmed by Sunday evening.
However, new information from South Africa could calm the mood a little: Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chairwoman of the South African Medical Association, has observed symptoms in Omikron patients and found them to be quite mild. Good news? SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach comments on this on Twitter.
Corona: Omicron concern – Lauterbach is now talking about an early Christmas present
Lauterbach is usually more pessimistic about new developments in the corona pandemic. Often he was right with his gloomy prognoses. On Friday evening (November 26th) he asked in the ARD “Tagesthemen” Stricter measures, related to travel, among other things: “Therefore, we have to work with travel restrictions here, every day that can be won before this variant comes, really counts here.” Events and contacts should also be reduced and monitored more consistently.
After the news from South Africa, Lauterbach sounds very different. “It would really be an early Christmas present if Omicron went easier,” he writes on Twitter.
It would really be an early Christmas present if Omicron went easier. With so many mutations it would be conceivable. But be careful: what speaks against it: in SA only 6% are over 65 years old. Germany is the oldest country in Europe with many chronically ill people https://t.co/EewQlbLb3N
– Karl Lauterbach (@Karl_Lauterbach) November 28, 2021
Omikron especially dangerous for the elderly? Lauterbach remains cautious
Despite the good sounding news from South Africa, there is no euphoria at Lauterbach. He relativizes his gift statement by referring to the different demographic structures in South Africa and Germany: “Germany is the oldest country in Europe with many chronically ill people.” He is referring to Coetzee’s report. It says that Omikron could be particularly dangerous for older and previously ill people, with diabetes or heart disease.
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