The situation surrounding the coronavirus remains challenging and new variants of the virus continue to emerge. For example, the BA.2.86 variant has now been detected in Germany for the first time. This mutation has been under special observation by the World Health Organization (WHO) since mid-August and has already been detected in other countries.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) also reports rising numbers of acute respiratory infections in Germany, accompanied by an increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of Sars-CoV-2. According to the RKI, around 6,780 Covid cases were transmitted last week, more than three times as many as in the first week of August. It can be assumed that there is a high number of unreported cases not confirmed in the laboratory.
However, it should be noted that there is now less testing than at the height of the pandemic and that tests for virus variants are also much less frequent. Frankfurt virologist Sandra Ciesek stressed last week that many questions remain unanswered about the BA.2.86 variant. However, detection of this variant in Germany was considered a matter of time.
Despite the challenges posed by the Omicron variant, Ciesek remains relatively relaxed and sees no danger that the situation will change much or that further government measures will have to be taken. Nevertheless, it is still extremely important that we all do our best to protect ourselves and others from infection.
To ensure protection against infection, we at Omniprotect.de have put together various articles that help reduce the risk of infection. These include respirators such as the FFP2 NR respirator without valve or the FFP3 NR respirator with valve. We also offer the NewGene COVID-19 Antigen Test Rapid Test, which enables a quick and reliable check.
In addition, you will find face masks in various designs that are antimicrobial and thus offer additional protection. Furthermore, we recommend the use of disposable gloves such as the Semperguard disposable gloves, which enable hygienic handling.
Infection control is a shared responsibility and it is in our hands to minimise the risk of infection. By following common hygiene measures such as regular hand washing, wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, we can all help to contain the spread of the virus.
In the current situation, it is particularly important that we remain attentive, inform ourselves and act responsibly. By protecting ourselves together, we can help ensure that we can overcome this difficult time together and soon return to a normal everyday life.