Long COVID threatens the economy. In Germany, restrictions will return in the fall

Scientists have observed that 14-30 percent of COVID-19 patients develop at least one of the symptoms of long COVID within 90 days of recovery: difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness and chest pain. Data published by one of the German health insurance organizations showed that of those diagnosed with the virus in 2020, nearly 1 percent benefited from L4 the following year due to long COVID. There were also long-term layoffs, 105 days on average! Experts are still trying to figure out what exactly causes long COVID and why some people develop it and others don't.

As Minister Lauterbach pointed out, the consequences of the long COVIDU could be far-reaching. In his opinion, they will affect the labor market, as many people will not be able to return to the previous state of productivity. Currently confirmed cases and hospitalizations for COVID are higher than at the same time in any of the last two years of the pandemic. Nevertheless, most restrictions in Germany have been lifted - similarly in other countries - including those relating to travel, bars, restaurants and clubs. Festivals and other outdoor events are taking place again.

As Gernot Marx, president of the intensive care association DIVI, said, the high COVID-19 statistics are having an impact on healthcare as a large number of employees are sick. About 55 percent of intensive care units in Germany operate only to a limited extent due to staff shortages. While patients with life-threatening illnesses and emergency departments are still able to get the care they need, Marx says hospitals are already experiencing the re-postponement of many surgeries and medical treatments.
Lauterbach's team will develop new COVID-19 restrictions in the fall. Basic decisions are expected to be taken in July.

Source: DW.com