“The pandemic could last for a few more winters,” German star virologist Christian Drosten (50) predicted in July. The German now seems more relaxed about the development of the corona pandemic.
In an interview with “Zeit”, he even hinted that the corona pandemic could quickly turn into an endemic pandemic. “The dynamics of the infection waves this year are the sign of the approaching end of the pandemic,” the German, also known for his alarmist rhetoric, told the newspaper.
An endemic condition describes a permanent but manageable manifestation of an infectious disease. This is because most people have come into contact with the pathogen through infection or vaccination.
Drosten doubts the spread of a new dangerous variant
According to the virologist, even small influencing factors, such as a change in the weather, can help lift a wave – or even break it.
The mild temperatures in mid-October would have thwarted the corona virus. The numbers dropped immediately. Drosten is therefore optimistic: “The situation for the virus is becoming precarious.” Even possible mutations would no longer have the power to skyrocket the numbers. Drosten also doubts whether a new, threatening corona variant can cause a nasty surprise in the short term. “At many points in its evolution, the virus can’t go back easily.” The virus is stagnant, stuck.
How the winter goes in terms of corona technology also depends on which variant will prevail in the future. The two Omikron variants BF.7 and BQ.1.1 are currently rampant. “If BQ.1.1 becomes dominant, winter could be tough again.” However, the winter wave could also be mild in this case.
In Switzerland, the number of corona cases has tended to fall in recent weeks. Three weeks ago, the Federal Public Service of Public Health (BAG) reported 23,867 cases, this week there were 21,194 new infections. (dzc)