Getting back to normal in Germany after coronavirus pandemic

biotech healthcare

Germany has reported that the number of new infections in the country is slowing down since 2nd April 2020 and that the measures imposed by the government to promote social distancing should be maintained. Germany has reported 127,854 cases and 3,022 deaths as of 12 th April 2020. Mouth and nose protection Mouth and nose protection, mainly using masks, reduces the transmission of viruses. Masks limit transmission since the coronavirus disease is transmitted via respiratory droplets. Further, most cases of COVID-19 are asymptomatic, which means they do not know they are infected. When everyone wears masks, they are protected, and this will reduce the spread of the infection. Using masks should be used hand in hand with the gradual relaxation of the restrictions. For instance, even if restrictions are lifted, people should be using them when in public places, such as schools, public transports, and workplaces. Mobile phone data Mobile phone data can help identify infection people and their contact with others. Applications for mobile phones should be made available, which can help tract those who are carriers. This way, when the restrictions are lifted, proper isolation and contact tracing will be sufficient. Increase testing capacities Mass testing is crucial in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. It is essential to test as many people as possible to identify carriers, even those who are not showing any symptoms of the disease. Asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the virus to other people. If they are left to socialize with others, the cases will skyrocket again, and another lockdown will be needed. Though in Germany, the testing capacity increased to 350,000 tests per week, it should be further increased to test as extensively as possible. This way, health authorities can identify infected patients and impose adequate quarantine measures. The Germany-wide temporary shutdown of about three weeks, with consistent physical and social distancing, is vital at this time. The measure will limit the contact of people with each other, and at the same time, prevent the vast spread of the virus, thus, reducing the burden on the healthcare system. All measures following the shutdown should focus on developing drugs and vaccines, and at the same time, assuring testing capacities for patients and all who will enter the country. Across the globe, the virus spread is rapidly unfolding, with many countries gravely affected. The United States has the most number of confirmed cases, with 557,300 infections and more than 22,000 deaths. Following the United States is Spain, with more than 166,000 cases, Italy with more than 156,000 cases and France with more than 133,000 confirmed cases. Sources: Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. (2020). Coronavirus: National Academy Leopoldina presents second ad-hoc-statement. https://www.leopoldina.org/en/press-1/news/ad-hoc-statement-coronavirus-pandemic/ Coronavirus: National Academy Leopoldina presents second ad-hoc-statement