It will not be possible to defeat the coronavirus in the next four years. This opinion was expressed by the Minister of Health of Germany, doctor-epidemiologist Karl Lauterbach in an interview with Bild.
According to him, due to the emergence of new strains, it is not worth counting on the end of the pandemic in the coming years. “We will not be able to completely defeat the coronavirus in the foreseeable future – four years. You have to be realistic, ”Lauterbach said, explaining that one of the reasons is the emergence of new strains of SARS-CoV-2.
At the same time, the doctor is confident that vaccination is able to provide protection so that new options “will practically not pose a danger” and, possibly, the infection will not spread further. Lauterbach added that the omicron strain should be feared – to overcome it, simply vaccination without subsequent booster vaccination, “probably will not be enough.” A fourth dose of vaccine may be required.
Recall that the new strain of coronavirus B.1.1.529, which contains 32 mutations in the S-protein, was first identified in South Africa and Botswana in early November. Later, the infected were found in 55 countries of the world, including Russia. Omicron has a large number of mutations, it also spreads faster than the delta type, and symptoms develop faster.
The American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously reported that mostly vaccinated people are infected with omicron. Of the 43 cases of omicron infection, 34 people were fully vaccinated, including 14 patients who also received a booster dose.
Source: Rosbalt
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
