The corona wave in NRW is rolling in again and the number of infections is rising again. Although there is currently no general obligation to wear a mask, clinics and care facilities can introduce their own mask rules based on their house rules in order to protect particularly vulnerable groups. These measures are part of the strategy to contain the spread of the virus among the most vulnerable people.
Higher infection rates despite summer weather
The current corona wave in NRW is particularly notable because it is occurring despite summer temperatures. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports an increased level of acute respiratory diseases (ARE), many of which are caused by rhinoviruses and SARS-CoV-2. Across Germany, around 4.6 million people suffer from respiratory diseases, which is also due to the new virus variant.
New vaccines to combat the Corona wave in NRW
From October 1, new, adapted vaccines from Biontech and Moderna that are tailored to the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus will be available in NRW. These vaccines are particularly recommended for older people over 60 years of age and people with pre-existing medical conditions in order to counteract severe disease progression.
Viral load in wastewater increases
The wave in NRW is also reflected in the wastewater analyses. Sewage treatment plants in cities such as Düsseldorf, Bonn, Aachen and Dortmund report an increased viral load in the wastewater. This method has served as an early warning system since the pandemic, as the virus can be detected in the excreta before the number of cases in the population increases.
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Clinics rely on local mask regulations
In many clinics and care facilities in NRW, the corona wave is being combated through local mask regulations. These regulations are based on house rules and are intended to protect both nursing staff and patients. The use of masks continues to be an effective means of minimizing the spread of the virus, especially in risk groups.
Vaccination remains the most important protection
The Corona wave in NRW shows that the virus is still present. This makes it all the more important to protect yourself through vaccination. The new vaccines, which will be available from October, offer improved protection against the current variants and help prevent serious disease progression.
