Germany is currently facing a significant corona wave, which is led by the new variant “Pirola” (BA.2.86). This variant, discovered in September, has spread rapidly and is now dominant. In doing so, it displaces the omicron subline “Eris”. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), in addition to “Pirola” and “Eris”, various other sublines are active, a total of 24 variants. “Eris” and “Pirola” are particularly important, with “Pirola” accounting for approximately 49.3 percent of cases. According to the RKI, around 7.9 million people in Germany currently suffer from acute respiratory diseases. In Berlin and Brandenburg, experts also confirm an increase in corona cases, based on wastewater data.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach emphasizes the importance of precautionary measures in this new wave and recommends increased vaccinations, especially in the run-up to Christmas. In addition to Lauterbach’s calls, other federal states have also responded. In Bavaria, for example, the Ministry of Health is calling on citizens to get vaccinated and to strictly adhere to the AHA rules (distance, hygiene, everyday mask). In North Rhine-Westphalia, mobile vaccination teams are increasingly being used to increase the vaccination rate.
Experts, including virologists and epidemiologists, emphasize the importance of booster vaccinations and recommend the use of FFP2 masks in public transport and indoor spaces. They point out that the new variants do not necessarily cause more severe disease, but their high transmission rate can put a strain on health systems.
Research institutes are also working intensively on developing adapted vaccines that could be more effective against emerging variants. In collaboration with the RKI and other international health organizations, monitoring of virus variants is also being intensified in order to be able to react early to possible changes in the infection process.
Overall, a cautious attitude is being adopted in Germany, with current developments being closely monitored. The authorities are appealing to the population to adhere to the recommendations and use the available protective measures to contain the spread of the virus.
Source:
https://www.dw.com/de/die-neue-deutsche-corona-welle/a-67730875
