German virologist Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit has warned people not to overestimate the effect of the rules that allow only the vaccinated and those recovered from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to attend events.
The virologist said on Deutschlandfunk public radio on Saturday that not overestimating the effect of the rule could make the case for widespread testing to continue.
The rules, known in Germany as the 2G rule after the first letter of the words for recovered and vaccinated, give a “false sense of security,’’ Schmidt-Chanasit said.
Even vaccinated people could become infected and transmit the virus, even if the probability was lower.
If you really want security, only testing everyone will help, whether people are vaccinated, unvaccinated or recovered.
This should apply especially to problematic areas where vulnerable people are at risk, the scientists stressed.
The virologist warned that the important instrument of testing should not be abandoned.
At the same time, he called for a “test offensive’’ and criticized the fact that the free citizens’ tests were abolished in mid-October.
Austria had decided on Friday to introduce a nationwide 2G rule in the fight against the fourth wave of the Coronavirus.
People who have not been fully vaccinated or do not have proof of recovery will no longer be allowed to visit pubs, hairdressers and events as from Monday.
The same applies to entry to tourist establishments.
In Germany, Saxony will be the first federal state to implement the 2G rule compulsorily in parts of public life from Monday. (dpa/NAN).
