Scientists from around the globe agree: it will take time to develop a coronavirus vaccine. RTL's Petz Bartz discussed a number of pressing question with a Luxembourgish virologist based in Scotland.
Alain Kohl in specialised in arboviruses, which comprise a diverse group of viruses mostly transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. These carry human diseases such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. Kohl's full attention has now shifted to Covid-19.
The virus' properties are still being investigated, Kohl explained. The news that 100 South Korean patients had tested positive after recovery had caused quite the stir in research circles. Kohl explained that there were several hypotheses for this worrying development: were the test results false or is it impossible to build long-term immunity? Can the virus be "reactivated"? More time is needed to draw conclusions, the virologist stressed. It may be overly optimistic to think that a vaccine or an efficient serum will be available as early as September.
Kohl concluded that the return to normal everyday lives should be cautiously coordinated by the political sphere. Public health should remain a key priority.
Video in Luxembourgish:
