UMCG physician-microbiologist Alex Friedrich discussed a number of facts and fables about the coronavirus at the NOS on Tuesday evening. He did this via a video connection from Groningen, because Friedrich does not want to travel to the Randstad.
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The other guests and presenter Rob Trip were in the TV studio in Hilversum.
Two weeks mouth mask
At the beginning of the broadcast, Friedrich, who also contracted the virus himself, explains why he chose to stay in Groningen.
‘Because there is a difference in the epidemiology between the different regions, we have agreed that we will only go outside the region if this is really necessary. And when you come back you also have to wear a mask if you have to be in the hospital a lot. And that’s me for my job. Why risk it if we can organize it differently? “
Insecurity due to mouth masks
During the broadcast, Friedrich answered viewers’ questions. These included the question whether mouth masks should be mandatory. Friedrich reiterated his position that this does not necessarily make our country safer.
‘They are very important in healthcare institutions. But if you are going to oblige mouth masks everywhere, it can become very unsafe. Then you don’t think anymore.
Germany as an example
Friedrich points to the situation in Germany, where mouth masks have also been required outside healthcare institutions for a few days.
Friedrich: “The numbers have increased slightly there,” said the Robert Koch Institute. We have to wait a while to see what that means, because they are there in another phase of the epidemic. Here we should especially look at the stage we are in and when it makes sense to wear a mask. ”
Support from RIVM
In the studio, Aura Timen from RIVM adds that ‘there really is no evidence that masks help’ to protect yourself against the virus. “Masks are not a substitute for the one and a half term society,” said Timen.
If mouth masks are nevertheless worn by more people, Friedrich prefers to see modern ones. “Why not use mouth masks made of transparent material? You don’t see now whether someone is smiling or sad. “
The full broadcast can be viewed below
Also read:
– Face masks in Germany are now mandatory when shopping and in public transport
– Everything about the corona crisis
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