Interior instead of public viewing
Streeck: More crown infections after World Cup matches
7/11/2022 4:53
The World Cup will be held for the first time in winter: virologist Streeck believes this should lead to an increase in corona infections. During the cold season, fans will likely congregate indoors to watch football instead of outdoors. But there is also good news.
Bonn virologist Hendrik Streeck predicts an increase in infectious diseases when many people watch World Cup matches in Qatar together in the winter. At the same time, the doctor recommends staying calm if there are waves of swelling from the disease. You can deal with it, he said.
The reason for the expected increase in infections is that the World Cup – unlike the usual – takes place in the cold season, explained Streeck. “We can no longer – like in previous years – watch matches outdoors, for example in public, but we will be indoors,” she said. You sit close together, ventilation is often poor. Furthermore, the transfer coincides with a time when infections are still on the rise, not only with Corona. Therefore, he expects more diseases during the World Cup.
However, he also advises pragmatism, should it happen, Streeck said. “I think we will be able to handle it.” It is therefore a question of “personal responsibility” and awareness raising. “If you have a cough and a runny nose, you shouldn’t visit your grandmother in the retirement home,” Streeck gave as an example. If you want to be careful, you can also look for a group with whom you always watch football together. “So to speak, a ‘look-family’,” said Streeck. “This can curb the spread of infections beyond a certain circle.”
Streeck referred to Kiel Week and Oktoberfest, two important events in recent months. “Either way you’ve seen an increase in the incidence of infection afterwards,” she said. “But you could take care of that too.”
Controversial World Cup for several reasons
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will open on November 20. The finale is scheduled just before Christmas, December 18th. The tournament is controversial for various reasons. Qatar has been heavily criticized for human rights violations and the treatment of foreign workers.
Virologist Streeck said his enthusiasm for football was “limited”, but in the past he had seen matches with German participation. “For me, however, they belong to the summer in terms of lifestyle. Finale and Christmas market – somehow that doesn’t get along with me,” he said. A football World Cup in winter is just one aspect that raises questions. “Doing it in a country where human rights are trampled on, I can’t understand it,” he added.
