Ms. Ciesek, the so-called Freedom Day is canceled in Germany for the time being.

Has the corona virus become more dangerous again?

Kim Bjorn Becker

Editor in Politics.

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The virus just doesn't stick to such deadlines.

The omicron variant of the coronavirus is currently dominant, and the new sub-variant BA.2 is currently catching on.

On the one hand, this variant means that the numbers are now increasing again – it is even more contagious than BA.1.

After all, according to preliminary data, infected people no longer have to be treated in hospital, the hospitalization rate is about the same.

However, people who have been vaccinated and boosted are also infected under Omikron, but in most cases they do not become seriously ill.

But that's not the only reason the numbers are rising so much.

People behave differently, contacts are increasing again, privately and professionally.

There are more congresses and events again, many people pay less attention to Corona.

Both,

The incidence has been increasing since the beginning of March, and is now reaching new heights.

How long will this go on?

Several things play a role here.

If people wear masks indoors less often in the near future, many people will continue to become infected.

On the other hand, if a warm spring sets in soon, people spend more time outside, which makes it harder for the virus.

So if masks are no longer compulsory, good weather can help keep the numbers moderate.

In any case, it is important that people remain prudent and do not switch back to normal right away.

Because they don't exist yet.

According to the new Infection Protection Act, the mask requirement only applies in so-called hotspots.

Is it risky to omit the mask even if it's allowed?

It always depends on the situation.

A mask doesn't make sense outside in the park, but if you're indoors with a lot of people, on the subway for example or in a crowded supermarket, I would recommend wearing a mask.

This is especially true for those who are at higher risk of developing a severe disease.

So if you are a little older or have a previous illness, you should voluntarily wear the mask more often than someone who is young and healthy.

The individual risk is important here.

Basically, the mask protects against infection, the vaccination against a severe course.

Can someone who has been vaccinated against Corona three times leave the mask off?

Indeed, if you only look after yourself and are healthy, having three vaccinations puts you at a lower risk of developing a serious illness.

But there is also the risk of suffering from Long Covid, i.e. long-term consequences of the infection.

We still know too little about how often this occurs in vaccinated people, so the mask and avoiding an infection can also be very useful for those who have been boosted.

In addition, I also protect others because I am less likely to pass the virus on in the event of an unnoticed infection.

Anyone who wears a mask also protects others who, for example, have to go shopping and who tend to become more seriously ill in the event of an infection.

Does it make sense to test yourself for Corona if you have been in contact with a group of people?

That definitely makes sense and people do it quite often these days.

If you visit your own grandmother, for example, a test beforehand makes sense.

Whether it is a rapid test or a PCR test is also a financial question.

The PCR costs much more, but it works faster and is therefore safer.

That's why PCR is better than a rapid test, and a rapid test is better than no test at all.

For many employees, the home office obligation no longer applies in the office.

What do professionals have to watch out for when they come back to the office?