Corona Current: South Africa is declared a virus variant area

What moves the world?What moves the Brigitte editor: inside?In this ticker we summarize the most important news in November.

26. November 2021

Discovered new coronavirus variant in southern Africa

After the Delta mutation, the new B is now preparing.1.1.529 variant worries.After Great Britain and Israel have already restricted air traffic, the federal government is now moving to: South Africa is classified as a virus variant area and air traffic is severely restricted.The EU Commission also wants to limit travel from southern Africa to a minimum in the EU, according to the "Tagesschau".The first case of the new virus variant in Israel has already been found - two other people are suspected cases.

The first case has now also been reported in Europe.In Belgium, the South African variant was detected by a sick person, confirmed the Belgian health minister Frank Vandenbroucke at a press conference.Prime Minister Alexander de Croo announced travel restrictions for arrival from countries in southern Africa.

"As a result, airlines are only allowed to promote German citizens to Germany," says the Federal Government.In addition, all those who entered should be in quarantine for 14 days - even if there is a complete vaccination protection.

Expert: Inside that variant B.1.1.529 from southern Africa due to unusually many mutations is not only highly contagious, but could also penetrate the protective shield of the vaccines more easily.The world of health organization (WHO) is currently examining whether the variant must be classified as worrying: "It will take a few weeks to understand what influence this variant has," said who expert Maria van Kerkhove.

The South African Institute for Concealing Diseases (NICD) announced that the first 22 cases of the new variant had been detected in South Africa, but more cases should be expected in the course of ongoing gene novels, so "Die Zeit"."Although the data situation is still limited, our experts with all surveillance systems are overtime overtime to understand the new variant and the associated implications," it says.

25. November 2021

EMA allows the Corona vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer for children between five and eleven years

The European Medicines Authority EMA has approved the Corona vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer for five to eleven-year-olds.

The responsible experts have checked the data on the risks and effectiveness of the vaccine for a good two months.After the approval of the EMA, the EU Commission has to officially agree-however, this is considered a matter of form, according to ZDF.

The vaccination for children contains a third of an adult dose and is also divided into the upper arm twice at least three weeks.Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) had announced last Monday that the entire EU would receive the delivery of the vaccine on 20.December.Germany should then get 2.4 million cans, so "Die Zeit".

Admission of the vaccination is not synonymous with a recommendation of the constant vaccination commission (STIKO).The chairman of the STIKO, Thomas Mertens, said in an interview with the "Schwäbische Zeitung" that he could understand it if parents are skeptical about vaccination."I can understand that very well and it basically also corresponds to the problem that STIKO is facing with its decision," he says.It is about weighing benefits and possible "residual risks" in children in this age group.

In a registration study by Biontech/Pfizer, no serious vaccination reactions or side effects were documented, according to Mertens.The effectiveness of the vaccine corresponds to something in adults after a relative short observation period.

However, the figures and data from the current study are not yet sufficient to exclude rare side effects, Mertens continues.The decision on a recommendation from the STIKO is currently being prepared. Das Ziel sei es, bis EndeDecember eine Entscheidung getroffen zu haben.

24. November 2021

The epidemic situation expires: which nationwide corona measures now apply

As of today, the new infection protection law comes into force.This is intended to cancel the epidemic location of national scope, which was previously the legal basis for numerous measures.The new law stipulates that there are fewer nationwide measures, but rather interview in corona hotspots.As a result, each federal state can set up other rules - as part of the Infection Protection Act -.

However, some nationwide rules remain.Wearing a mask is still mandatory for everyone, as is the AHA rules.Nationwide, a 3G rule in buses, lanes and trains applies-if you are not vaccinated, recovered or tested, you must not use public transport.

The 3G rule also applies to the workplace.The employer: In is obliged to check the status of your employees: to check inside-this also means the presentation of the vaccination pass, a recovered certificate or a current Corona test-the employees are responsible for the test.Employees: Inside who do not bring any valid proof and refuse to test, the company premises must not enter the company premises.They are at risk of loss of wages, even the termination in the event of serious violations.If the controls are not complied with before entering the workplace, the employer threatens: in a fine.

The home office obligation comes into force again from today.In the fight against pandemic, contacts are to be reduced again.Employees who can do their job at home should no longer come to the company if possible.If "operational reasons" speak against a home office, this obligation does not apply.For employees: there are also exceptions inside, for example "spatial tightness, disorders from third parties or inadequate equipment".

23. November 2021

France's Duden "Le Robert" introduces gender -neutral pronouns

The traditional French dictionary "Le Robert" - comparable to the German Duden - has now recorded a gender -neutral personal pronoun in its online version.

Specifically, it is about the entry "Iel".In French, "IL" stands for the male personal pronoun "he", "Elle" for "sie".Accordingly, "Iel" stands for people, regardless of gender, the definition in "Le Robert".The spelling "ielle" is also possible.

Activist: Inside and transpersonen welcome the decision.Lee Ferrero from the Transat Association for Transmame People in Marseille called the step "almost historical".The critics: However, the inside did not long for themselves.France's Minister of Education Jean-Michel Blanquer wrote on Twitter: "The inclusive spelling is not the future of the French language."

The French MP Francois Jolivet protested "Le Robert" and described the author: on the inside as "activist".In a critical letter to the Académie Francaise-which watches over the standardization and care of French-he described the introduction of the pronoun as the forerunner of the "Woke" culture, which wanted to destroy all the values that are estimated in France.You would lead to a "dirty" language.

The general director of the Éditions Le Robert, Charles Bimbenet, justified the admission in a statement: "The task of the 'Robert' is to observe the development of the various French language in motion and to map them".

19. November 2021

Lockdown and obligation to vaccinate for everyone in Austria

The Austrian government has decided to take tougher measures due to the increasing Corona numbers: According to the press conference, the country will go to the Lockdown for a maximum of 20 days from Monday, but at most 20 days.This again concludes gastronomy, the cultural and event industry as well as the trade.Excluding businesses of everyday needs are.Stock closures should apply from 00:00 to midnight.After the nationwide lockdown, the Lockdown should continue for unvaccinated.Schools and kindergartens remain open.In addition, a vaccination obligation for everyone who is on 1.February steps into force.If you don't stick to it, you have to expect fines or compensation for compensation.Chancellor Schallenberg said that it was assumed for too long that it was possible without duty to achieve a high vaccination rate.But now you have to see reality.

18. November 2021

STIKO recommends: Booster vaccination for everyone from the age of 18

The permanent vaccination commission (STIKO) now recommends a COVID 19 refreshment vaccination to everyone aged 18 and over now.As a rule, they should take place every six months of the last dose of basic immunization, the STIKO said.

STIKO boss Thomas Mertens had already announced on Tuesday evening on the ZDF program "Markus Lanz" that the recommendation was already on discussion.

So far, the recommendation was that over 70-year-olds and people with a weak immune system and medical staff should receive a refresher vaccination.According to STIKO, around 60 years of age have already received a boostery vaccination.

Corona aktuell: Südafrika wird zum Virusvariantengebiet erklärt

17. November 2021

New Corona drug reduces hospital admissions and deaths by 89 percent

The Paxlovid covid medication comes in a pill form.The pharmaceutical company has already submitted the corresponding documents for emergency approval in the USA at the drug authority, according to Pfizer in a message, reports "Zeit Online".In a clinical study there was a high effectiveness of the pill.According to the group, it could play a "central role in the fight against Covid-19", says Pfizer boss Albert Bourla.

At the beginning of November, the company announced that Paxlovid's pill at risk patients: In the inside, after a corona infection, the likelihood of hospitalization or death by 89 percent lower.In the UK, the Molnupiravir medication was recently approved.Both drugs reduce the ability of the virus to multiply in the body cells and prevent the disease from being developed.

The license for Paxlovid is to be partially released after its approval, Pfizer announced.Via an agreement with the organization Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) supported by the United Nations, generic manufacturers in 95 countries worldwide should be able to produce the drug itself.

In the future, 53 percent of the world's population could be supplied with a cheap Corona drug.According to the agreement, Pfizer does not receive a license fee for the medication in poorer countries.Some countries such as Brazil, China or Thailand are excluded from the agreement between Pfizer and MPP.

16. November 2021

Breathe for a sigh of relief: Inside: This is now changing in cell phone contracts and the like.

Who does not know it, you think of each other with every new cell phone bill: at the next time I have to quit.And what do you usually miss?The three -month notice period.The contract simply continues, usually with an extension of at least one year and sometimes even higher fees than actually agreed.Not anymore.From the 1.December 2021 federt das Telekommunikationsmodernisierungsgesetz (TKG) Langzeitfolgen von Kündigungsversäumnissen ab.

Ab jetzt gilt Folgendes: Kund:innen, die ihre Kündigungsfrist bei Mobilfunk-, Festnetz- und Internetanbietern von drei Monaten versäumt haben, können abDecember bis zu einem Monat vor Vertragsablauf kündigen.If you also miss this, you do not have to worry about expensive and long extensions from now on.The contract then continues with a 30-day notice period every month.The most important thing: the law also applies to existing customers.

There can also be a sigh of relief: inside that have to struggle with internet disorders in the home office: If the connection is broken for more than two days, the provider must pay compensation.In the future.If the connection is regularly more slowly agreed than contractually agreed, the monthly fee can be pressed or even termination can be considered.

15. November 2021

Ampel parties are in favor of compulsory vaccination in certain areas

According to the green politician Katrin Göring-Eckardt and SPD politicians, there will be a vaccination obligation.The possible government partners Greens, SPD and FDP agree: "We will need a vaccination obligation for facilities, for nursing homes, at daycare centers et cetera.We will get that on the way, "said the green parliamentary group leader Göring-Eckardt.

The violation is not part of the reform of the Infection Protection Act, which is to be decided this week, but a separate legislative procedure, so "Zeit Online".Göring-Eckardt confirmed her statement on Twitter: "Because there are inquiries: Yes, I still find that we need a vaccination in special facilities".

12. November 2021

Jens Spahn announces the return of free tests

Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn has spoken in a press conference on the current Corona situation in Germany-and announced new Corona measures.In this way, the bourgeois tests should again provide free of charge and from the weekend.Spahn still wants to sign a corresponding test regulation today, which will apply from tomorrow.

In addition, Spahn puts a so-called "2 g plus rule" into conversation.In the future, only vaccinated and recourse could have access that have been tested in the future."If we want to break the pandemic, we have to act more determined," said Spahn, his idea and warned that the 3G rule would no longer be enough to contain the Corona situation.Because especially with the delta variant, the coronavirus could also be vaccinated, tests were necessary for everyone.

"Wir müssen alles tun, um diese Dynamik zu brechen", sagte der Gesundheitsminister auf der Pressekonferenz in Berlin, "sonst wird es für das ganze Land ein bittererDecember."

10. November 2021

STIKO: Vaccination for under 30 year olds only with Biontech/Pfizer

The constant vaccination commission (STIKO) has updated its recommendations regarding corona vaccinations.Accordingly, under 30-year-olds should only be vaccinated with the vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer.The reason: In the case of vaccinations with the means of moderna, compared to the heart muscle and pericardium infections in this age group were more likely to have occurred in comparison with Biontech/Pfizer.

For people over 30, on the other hand, there was no increased risk of such inflammation.For pregnant women, they should be offered the vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer regardless of age.

5. November 2021

Press conference of the Health Ministers' Conference: Booster vaccination for everyone

The State Secretary of the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Nursing Klaus Holetschek (CSU) said at the press conference of the Health Ministers' Conference that the refresher vaccination was "generally possible for everyone" six months after the second vaccination "was possible".

In particular, older people, medical staff and people with a weak immune system should be vaccinated as soon as possible.There is currently no age limit.

The situation is "partially dramatic" and anything but "all -clarified," said Holetschek.It is still important to test yourself - that also applies to those who are already fully vaccinated.The executive Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) added that these tests are particularly essential in nursing homes to protect the vulnerable groups.When it comes to refreshing vaccination, Spahn set again: "Boosters after six months should be the rule and not the exception."The public sector offer is still needed in addition to the medical practices that are currently the most vaccinating.

The current recommendation of the STIKO expressly is that only over 70 years of age should receive a refresher vaccination.The STIKO itself recently announced that in a few weeks it wants to decide whether it will make a recommendation for everyone, said chairman Ulm virologist Thomas Mertens on Tuesday (2.November 2021).

Progress: The pill against Covid-19

For the first time.It is an antiviral remedy with the name Lagevrio or better known as Molnupiravir.In a message from the British government, it states that the tablet contributes to a reduction in the risk of hospitalization and deaths in mild and moderate courses, according to the "ZEIT".

Molnupiravir is the world's first approved antiviral remedy against Covid-19. Das Mittel wurde von den Pharmakonzernen Ridgeback Biotherapeutics und Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) entwickelt.According to the information, the preparation disturbs the increase in the virus and thus ensures a mild course.According to studies, it is most effective if it is taken immediately after the first positive test - preferably in the first one to five days after infection.

Molnupiravir is currently not yet approved in Germany.The European Medicines Authority (EMA) already announced at the end of October to check the operation.The US authority FDA has already initiated an approval procedure.The EMA is currently examining seven other possible Corona agents.So far, only Remdesivir of the US group Gilead has been approved in the EU.Certain, seriously ill covid patients are administered by infusion.

4. November 2021

36 infected: Corona outbreak in rehabilitation clinic in Wuppertal

With the fourth wave, health authorities from all over Germany are again increasingly reporting corona outbreaks with several infected.So also in the rehabilitation clinic "Bergisch Land" in Wuppertal-Ronsdorf.As the WDR reports, a total of 36 people were tested positively - 23 patients: inside, four accompanying persons and nine employees: inside.

In coordination with the health department, the patients have been laid or released, provided that this was medically possible.In the rehabilitation clinic there are currently also some oncological patients - the current focus is on their protection.According to the clinic, the vaccination rate of employees is: inside and patient: inside more than 90 percent.

After the first case became known, the clinic has no patient: inside.It is currently unclear whether there are more infections.In cooperation with the health department, row tests are still carried out.In total, the rehabilitation clinic has 206 beds and 160 employees.How many beds documented at the time of the outbreak and how many employees were on duty is currently not known.

3. November 2021

Corona vaccination of Biontech/Pfizer in the USA approved for children aged five and over

The last hurdle has been taken-the US disease authority CDC officially approved the Corona vaccination of children with the vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer.Five to eleven-year-olds can now get the vaccine in smaller doses, according to the "time".The children should only be given a third of the usual amount of vaccine.

The authority thus reacted to the recommendation of the advisory staff, which only recommended the use of the agent for this age group a few hours earlier.The FDA drug supervision already had the vaccine on Friday (29.October 2021).

President Joe Biden welcomed the step and described him as a "turning point" in the fight against Covid-19.As a precaution, the US government had sent millions of vaccine boxes of medical practices and pharmacies.

2. November 2021

The Corona eruptions in retirement homes are increasing

For months, the number of infections in old people's and nursing homes remained consistently low.But that changes with the fourth wave.More and more homes have to deal with numerous corona infections and unfortunately have some deaths.

The seven-day incidence of over 90 year olds is, according to the current age distribution of the Corona pandemic of the Robert Koch Institute.October 2021).For the 85-89 year olds, it is 83.58 and for the 80 to 84 year olds 59.16.And that with a vaccination rate of over 85 percent in people over 60 years.

More and more retirement and retirement homes are reporting high infections to the residents: Interior and carers: Interior.According to its own statements, 98 Corona cases are said to have been registered in the senior center "Am Tempelberg" in Bad Doberan, but many of the figures of the social authority are significantly lower.Six residents: inside died of the consequences of the disease.Many of the nurses are not vaccinated.There should be six "outbreak events" in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, according to the NDR.

In a home in Norderstedt near Hamburg, 90 people are infected with the coronavirus, including 68 residents: Inside, the district of Segeberg shared on Monday, 1.November 2021 with.In total there are already six deaths in connection with the virus.

At the Werbellinsee in Brandenburg, 42 residents fell ill: inside and 15 employees: Inside on Covid-19.So far, eight of the residents have died on or with corona.According to the health department of the Barnim district, only 50 percent of the employees are vaccinated in the home: "The Tagesspiegel" is vaccinated inside.

These are just three of the numerous outbreaks in retirement homes across Germany.

1. November 2021

From today: No more compensation for unvaccinated in quarantine

If you have not yet been vaccinated, you will receive a quarantine statement from 1.November 2021 No longer compensation for the loss of earnings.This regulation was already decided by the federal and state governments at the end of September.

The reason: In the meantime, each: R adults have received a offer of vaccination.The fact that the state will then pay for a loss of earnings can no longer be justified.Some federal states such as Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia had implemented this regulation a few weeks in advance.

However, this regulation does not apply to more than a million: inside in Germany.You will continue to receive your references if you have to be in quarantine due to an official order and are not yet vaccinated.This is due to the fact that civil servants are given a salary from the state, so they do not continue to continue to pay wages.The possibility of deleting salary would also be given, but the effort is correspondingly higher - the salary law would have to be changed for this.

Exceptions also exist on a medical reason.If you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, you will continue to receive your wages during a home quarantine.To do this, a corresponding certificate must then be presented.The same applies to people in whom up to eight weeks before the quarantine has not yet available any vaccination recommendation.For example, for pregnant women, where the STIKO currently recommends a corona vaccination from the second third of pregnancy.

More news?

These are the news of the past few weeks.