Christian Drosten has made a name for himself with sound expert opinions since the outbreak of the corona pandemic. He also has to suffer from this in the meantime – something that colleagues are also responsible for.
- In the Corona crisis* Christian Drosten is one of the most popular experts.
- The virologist also gets to know the dark side of new fame.
- In his podcast, he warns of a dangerous development.
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Munich – There must have been a lot of anger piling up at Christian Drosten*. The virologist has been trying since the outbreak Corona pandemic*, to the best of our knowledge and belief about the new and still largely unknown virusto inform its peculiarities and the resulting dangers for humanity. But he is increasingly exposed to reproaches for his advice and explanations. Because far too much dangerous half-knowledge is circulating in Corona times. And by that Conspiracy theorists are getting more and more upper water*.
Now Drosten, who has already defended himself against fake news in a public letter, has used the opportunity to let off steam after all these negative experiences. In his “NDR” Podcast “Corona Virus Update”, in which the institute director of the Charité in Berlin regularly shares his findings, he now defended himself with clear words. And basically made the biggest problem of this crisis clear: Everyone has an opinion about the corona virus – because it affects us all. And many want to share theirs as comprehensively as possible.
Drosten and the corona crisis: “Some doctors and professors put nonsense in the world”
So Drosten scolds the many Social media posts like videos, “some of which have millions of views and full of nonsense are”. Absolute laypersons, you might think. But he not only denounces their need for communication clearly: “There are some Doctors and professors who put some nonsense into the world who have never worked on these issues. But whom you believe because of their academic qualifications. “
Not to forget the “real conspiracy theorists” who have long been featured on demos across the country. Experts like Drosten himself would suffer because of them Expertise* is at least questioned in view of the completely contrary views: “I get the echo back in the form of Allegations and questions. “
In the same breath as the political heavyweights: Christian Drosten is approached directly at demos.
© dpa / Christoph Schmidt
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Drosten in the Corona crisis: Myth of the artificially generated virus refuted
So he should be the happier that the Discussion of an artificially generated virus is definitely “off the table”. Because a certain one Interface in the major surface protein was now used by researchers from China and Europe independently of one another in a very similar form even in bats* discovered. “Although it is slightly different than that from the SARS CoV-2 virus in humans, it is very, very similar,” explains Drosten in the podcast.
In the process, he can also refute another virologist. The Frenchman Luc Montagnier, Nobel laureate from 2008, had stated on a TV show that the coronavirus could only have been produced artificially because the Genetics also contain sequences from HIV would. “It is difficult for an active scientist in virology to say that a Nobel laureates in virology spread nonsense“, Drosten judges:“ But this is complete nonsense. ”The topic is now“ simply done ”.
Drosten and the Corona Crisis: Experts should stay with their area of expertise
But precisely the rushing forward of researchers from other scientific fields cannot understand Drosten: “I am also a professor. But I would never dare to publicize anything, that too so much opinion include. ”As an example, he mentions bacteria with which he is not familiar. Because although it is popular opinion, at Viruses and bacteria if it were “almost the same”, scientists would know that this is not the case.
Drosten’s reproach: Experts would share information in a foreign area that is devoid of any foundation: “These are general places that do not go beyond knowledge of student textbook knowledgeAnd that is especially dangerous: “This is how you back up the really dangerous conspiracy theorists. That’s irresponsible. ”He doesn’t reveal to whom exactly Drosten’s criticism is referring.
Drosten and the corona crisis: express praise for SPD politician Lauterbach
For this, the native of Emsländer expressly praises a colleague: Karl Lauterbach. The SPD politician and health expert needs a particularly thick coat these days, is always the Target of protesterswho vehemently demand extensive easing or want to have recognized the corona crisis directly as an element of the state to consolidate and expand power.
“I read how he got criticized. Commentators wrote that he should do it go less on talk shows and pay attention to how he behaves like this, “Drosten jumps to the member of the Bundestag:” That is aiming at a person and thus meeting the content that the person is saying – but this content is absolutely correct. “
Drosten and the Corona Crisis: Talk Show Allegation Against Lauterbach Secondary
Lauterbach merely gives the “state of affairs”: “He knows his way around and is familiar with his basic training Epidemiologist. ”Because of his expertise,“ it doesn’t matter if anyone thinks he’s sitting on talk shows too much. He goes public and informs with correct content. “
For example, the passionate fly carrier recently had the most likely one Efficiency of pool tests deleted. But also the quick ones Relaxation in the catering trade* criticized. Because in closed rooms, exhalation and coughing would result Aerosols, said Drosten. Accordingly, one must Air circulation be given.
Warning in the crisis: The SPD politician Karl Lauterbach does not want to rush into anything during the corona pandemic.
© dpa / Bernd von Jutrczenka
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Drosten and the Corona Crisis: Restaurant outside areas can be used without hesitation
Against that Outside areas of restaurants a relatively safe zone, especially since “a two-meter distance will probably not be necessary”. The Contagion risk* is largely banned. Drosten’s explanation: “Anything that is spread about aerosol transmission blows away.” For indoor use, it is essential that Open window.
Remedial action for places without an outdoor area can basically be created simply. This is how Drosten stimulates a bit less bureaucracy in these unusual times: “Why don’t you allow restaurateurs to do that Share sidewalks? In these times one can make exceptions to the municipalities and say that the Pubs put their tables on the sidewalk – as long as they do not endanger pedestrians. “
A proposal that should also be welcomed by opponents of restrictions. Among others, those who recently didn’t want to gain much from Drosten’s expertise.
We report on developments in Germany in our news ticker. We offer separate reports for federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia.
*merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
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