© Unsplash
Nevertheless, in the face of increased staff shortages, health authorities may want to rethink the duration of isolation periods.
Our colleagues from RTL spoke to the infectious disease expert about the spread of the coronavirus variant and the arrival of new treatment medication. Dr Schockmel noted that unvaccinated and unrecovered people have the biggest risk of contracting Omicron and being hit with complications.
The fast-spreading variant thus may provoke large-scale staff shortages across the country, which is why the virologist pleads for a rethinking of isolation periods. Instead of waiting the full ten days, he suggests reducing it with rapid tests on days five and six.
Dr Schockmel further confirmed that Omicron is less severe than Delta. The arrival of Pfizer's new Paxlovid medication is also promising in that the pill helps significantly reduce the risk of hospitalisation. However, the infectious disease expert believes there will be limited supplies at the beginning, which is why the effects of Paxlovid in combination with other meds must be studied.
© RTL
The Novavax vaccine has the advantage of being easier to stock in more regular temperatures than others. Nevertheless, it seems as though it is less proficient in fighting Omicron than the mRNA vaccines, which are also used as booster shots.
Dr Schockmel believes a vaccine mandate for everyone aged 18 and older is the right way forward. He explained that large parts of the population have already expressed their support for a mandate, which is why government officials should start discussing it.
When asked about the efficiency of rapid tests, the physician expressed his support for continued use, but underlined that they best be done right before meeting other people.
