Testing for this virus at airports is ridiculous in 2023.
(Photo: dpa)
The overburdened hospitals in China startle the Europeans. Can the corona virus bring death to Europe again? Virologists like those of the European disease control agency have a very clear answer: no.
At least at the moment there is no variant in China that should scare a vaccinated European more than the variants that have become native here.
To be more precise: They are the same variants – the same virus as the one that the world outside of China has long been living with.
Not only the Chinese authorities say that. It is also virologically plausible, and there is no evidence that it would be otherwise. And even if new variants do emerge, they are unlikely to be any more dangerous to Europeans than the existing ones. That’s the assessment of the experts.
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If the corona virus is transmitted by a Chinese, it does not make you sick any more than if it comes from a European. Testing for this virus at airports is ridiculous in 2023.
Unvaccinated people in China should be as cautious as possible given the massive wave of infections. In Europe, one can remain relaxed in view of a few hundred additional infections to be expected.
It is disturbing that politics is so quickly made out of irrational fears and against the advice of science. It should have been a lesson from the corona pandemic that politics can be dangerous based on a gut feeling.
Bogus measures and unnecessary trouble
Politicians could have learned to distinguish between serious researchers and attention-seeking busybodies. They could have started to think more long-term and not just look to the next survey. Some corona waves would have been flatter as a result.
Instead, politicians are still helpless in the face of this actually manageable complexity. Concerns about uncertainty among voters lead to a dummy measure against the virus.
In China, the corona virus is currently spreading almost uncontrollably. For those who are not vaccinated, this means a great danger. The effect on Europe is marginal.
(Photo: ROPI)
At the same time, hospitals are full because of other respiratory infections. Doctors give up exhausted. Pharmacies can no longer deliver standard medicines. Finding a European answer to this and taking a concerted approach would be more worthwhile.
The new testing requirement is a maneuver to distract from inaction in other areas. The issue was initiated by right-wing populists in Italy and is now being imitated by governments across Europe.
The damage is not particularly great. They will be able to cope with the fact that the Chinese will soon have to submit a test before boarding a plane to Europe. Hopefully it will stay that way and the rules will not be tightened any further.
The Chinese government – which is more irrational than anyone else when it comes to dealing with Corona – is already feeling provoked. There are plenty of other points worth arguing with China about. There is no need for an ineffective test strategy.
More: EU calls for compulsory testing for travelers from China – doctors are skeptical