Current declaration of the GfV

Currently, the question of the best possible protection of residential and nursing homes against the spread of infection is in the focus of the reporting. In the reporting, it is also suggested that the GfV has spoken out against the best possible protection of residential and nursing homes. This portrayal is false. At no time did the GfV reject protective measures aimed at the best possible protection of risk groups. Claims to the contrary are false.

At the same time, the GfV reiterates its rejection of a pandemic control strategy based solely on the screening of risk groups, as detailed in its statement of 19 October. We again point out that the risk groups are far too numerous, too heterogeneous and partly also unrecognised to be able to be actively shielded. An increased risk for a severe COVID-19 course results, for example, from obesity, diabetes, cancer, renal insufficiency, chronic lung diseases, liver diseases, stroke, after transplantations and, according to initial findings, also during pregnancy. De facto, therefore, large parts of the population in Germany can be assigned to the risk groups. Accordingly, a screening strategy aimed solely at these groups is neither feasible nor ethically justifiable in reality.

Society of Virology, the Executive Board

Prof. Dr. Ralf Bartenschlager, Heidelberg University Hospital

Prof. Dr. Thomas Stamminger, University Hospital Ulm

Prof. Dr. Ulf Dittmer, University Hospital Essen

Prof. Dr. Sandra Ciesek, University Hospital Frankfurt

Prof. Dr. Klaus Überla, Erlangen University Hospital