We are not finished with the mouth caps for the time being, that predicts at least epidemiologist Pierre van Damme. He thinks the mouth mask will be part of the street scene at least until the end of 2021.
The reason for this is the fact that there is still no working vaccine on the market. The Leiden company Janssen Vaccines was well on its way to developing one, but that research has now come to a standstill. One of the test subjects would have become seriously ill. The company does not want to say what exactly is going on. A silence that in turn causes a lot of worldwide criticism. This is also the case with the local Leiden broadcaster Key city:
“In fact, there has been radio silence for nine days now around the possible side effects of the Leiden vaccine. This is diametrically opposed to the view that openness and transparency about such matters are desperately needed to ensure that the public maintains confidence in the vaccines that are expected in the future. ”
Previously, a vaccine from AstraZenca had also suffered from teething problems. One test subject developed nervous problems. That investigation has since been continued because no connection was found between this complaint and the vaccination.
In China they think the coming weeks to come onto the market with a vaccine, but it will not be on the Dutch shelves for the time being. The EU does not want to become dependent on the Chinese in this area. Brussels has, however, concluded six deals with European and American pharmaceutical companies. The hope is that they can start delivering from the first quarter in 2021.
We will not really be done with the virus until enough people worldwide have been vaccinated. Van Damme therefore believes that hopeful expectations are being aroused among the population:
“I was not grateful for it, but I said earlier that major events will probably not be able to take place next year either.”
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