Munich, 14 October 2020.
Leading virologist and Entourage advisor Prof. Dr. Günther Schönrich gives his assessment of the rising COVID-19 infection figures in Germany and Europe in autumn.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle, leading virologist and Entourage advisor Prof. Dr Günther Schönrich comments on the current infection situation in Germany.
In order to prevent a lockdown like in spring, people must continue to follow the federal government's AHA+L+A rules: Keep your distance, observe hygiene, wear an everyday mask as well as regular ventilation and use the Corona warning app.
Compared to March, Prof. Schönrich says there is not the "comfortable" situation of only a few foci of infection; instead, the virus has spread across the entire country and there are therefore a large number of foci that are difficult to keep under control. A rapid increase in the number of infections is therefore possible at any time. In his view, it is still possible to travel, as long as you follow the rules. He also disagrees with the thesis that the rising infection figures are due to the expansion of the tests. The percentage of positively tested persons is also rising, which can clearly be traced back to an increasing number of infected persons.
Although corona rapid tests are not as sensitive as conventional tests, Prof. Schönrich sees them as a possibility to test staff in old people's and nursing homes or schools for the virus within 15 minutes and thus possibly prevent further outbreaks.
In his view, it is difficult to give an outlook for the coming month. If the population strictly adheres to the distance and hygiene rules, there is a chance that we will maintain the lead we have gained so far and that the intensive care units will not overflow again, as in some neighbouring countries.
Short profile Prof. Dr. Günther Schönrich.
Prof. Dr. med. Günther Schönrich studied medicine and philosophy at the Albert Ludwigs University in Freiburg and received his doctorate in medicine in 1985, specializing in cardiology. He completed his postdoctoral studies at the Institute of Immunology and Genetics of the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. Mr. Schönrich has in-depth knowledge in the fields of microbiology, virology, infectious disease epidemiology, and immunology. Since 2006, Mr. Schönrich has been Deputy Director of the Institute of Virology (CCM) at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Short Profile Entourage.
Entourage is a management and HR consultancy with a focus on pharmaceuticals, medical technology and health care. With the placement of permanent scientific employees and consultants, the Munich and Basel-based company wins experts for the leading life science companies in the DACH region. With Project Consultants, Entourage realises projects for its clients through highly qualified temporary staffing and contracts for work. With Management Consultants, Entourage bundles selected interim managers and consultants into a top-class consulting unit that realises pharmaceutical and medical technology solution scenarios in projects on an interdisciplinary basis.
