What does UMCG virologist Alex Friedrich think about the government’s measures? – Groningen

In German states across the border, masks are required in shops and public transport. According to Friedrich, they could also be part of the next step in easing the measures in the Netherlands.

The professor hopes for creative ideas from the business world. “Not just for mouth masks, but innovative forms of protection. Think of colorful or transparent textiles or transparent faceshields, masks that protect the entire face. With which you can see whether people are happy or sad. You can’t see that with those masks, that’s terrible. “

Not a meter and a half

The German federal states did not all start at the same time. “It depends on what phase a country or region is in. It is possible here if you notice that the schools have not led to more infections and you can move on to the next phase. Then mouth masks can make sense at some point in places where you have to be, but cannot keep a meter and a half away. “

,, The difference with Germany is that they now have textile companies there that produce hundreds of thousands of masks per day. This is also being prepared in the Netherlands. It is important that you are not completely dependent on import. You should avoid missing masks for nurses, doctors and patients. Because they take precedence. “

Quiet months

In an interview with DvhN.nl, the UMCG microbiologist elaborates on the decision to partly open the schools again. According to him, it is not certain that children cannot infect adults. But he does understand that the rules are being relaxed.

Furthermore, Friedrich is hopeful that the epidemic will decrease as it gets warmer. Earlier he predicted that it would be much less in May. ,, I am hopeful that, because of everything we have done to keep it low, we now have a chance for some quieter months. We need to get it a little lower first. Then we need the next few months to prepare for the new wave that may come in the fall. “

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