The Braunschweig virologist Melanie Brinkmann assumes that the delta variant of the corona virus will spread quickly to schools after the holidays without any measures. She calls for PCR tests.
Brinkmann said in an interview with the “RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland” (RND) that it is important to start preparing for school now after the summer holidays. In their opinion, students should continue to be tested regularly so that infections can be detected at an early stage. However, the self-tests currently used in Lower Saxony, among others, have their limits. Brinkmann therefore calls for “a better test system in schools”.
Brinkmann advocates lollipop or gargle tests
The problem with the antigen tests is that it cannot be checked whether the smear is being carried out correctly, said Brinkmann. In addition, the tests only indicated an infection if the person had a relatively high amount of virus at the smear site at that very moment. Better infection control can be achieved through lollipop or gargle tests, which can be evaluated using the much more sensitive PCR (polymerase chain reaction). In this way, asymptomatically infected children could be detected at an early stage and a larger outbreak prevented, Brinkmann explained.
Pool test: each child throws cotton swabs into cups
In these so-called pool tests, which, according to Brinkmann, are already being used at elementary and special needs schools in North Rhine-Westphalia, each child in a class takes a sample from himself by sucking on a cotton swab, which he then throws into a small cup . According to Brinkmann, the beaker is then picked up from the laboratory and the result of the PCR ideally comes on the same day. If the result is positive, each student in the class is tested individually using PCR. In this way, the infected can be found.
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Virologist demands: Protect children and adolescents from Corona as well
The virologist believes it is important to protect children and adolescents from corona infection. Far too little is known about the virus and the long-term consequences it can trigger. Data from England showed that children could also get corona infection, albeit rarely. According to Brinkmann, doctors also warn of PIMS syndrome (Pediatric Inflammatory Multi-Organ Syndrome)and Long Covid. The scientist assumes that the infections will increase again without additional measures when the classes are fully occupied again after the summer vacation.
“The data clearly speak in favor of a vaccination”
In addition to a new test strategy, Brinkmann advocates that masks should continue to be worn in schools and that classrooms should be well ventilated. Regarding a vaccination for children and adolescents aged twelve and over, Brinkmann told the RND: “The latest data from the USA have at least convinced me that it is not a good option for my children to become infected.” From their point of view, the data speak “clearly in favor of vaccination and against natural infection”.
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