The situation in the corona pandemic in the north-east is far less threatening than it was a few weeks ago. However, the pandemic has left its mark on the healthcare system.
Schwerin (dpa/mv) - Despite the falling number of corona infections, the health system in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is still under high pressure. "In the context of the Covid pandemic, a breather would now be expected, but the processing of postponed (...) interventions means that the employees are still very stressed," said the Scientific Director of the University Medicine in Rostock, Emil Reisinger, who German press agency. Operations that have been postponed in recent months due to the pandemic are now being made up for in the clinics.
The Ministry of Health in Schwerin knows the situation: "Despite the falling number of infections and hospitalization rates, the burden is still having an impact across all areas: hospitals, outpatient care and public health services," said Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD). Most of the staff is exhausted.
In order to support particularly stressed staff in intensive care units, the state wants to use psychological specialists in intensive care units in a model project from the summer. They are designed to help employees deal with the stress.
According to Reisinger, cases of illness among employees have been an additional problem in recent weeks. As a result, the other employees were additionally challenged. The clinic board in Rostock also did not want to rule out the possibility that there could be no real break until a possible new wave of infections in autumn.
The ministry expects the number of corona to increase: "Even after close feedback from experts, we assume that the number of infections will increase again in the autumn," said Drese. In order to be prepared for the expected wave, the vaccination and testing infrastructure will also be maintained. Beyond that, you continue to be cautious.
With a view to the 9-euro ticket valid for June, July and August and the expected rush, Drese defended the mask requirement that still applies in local public transport: For sensitive areas such as public transport and the health sector, it is important that all people from the age of six continue wear mask. "In particular, the protection of vulnerable groups will continue to be a focus in the summer," said the Minister of Health. Reisinger also did not want to rule out the possibility of corona infections occurring in large crowds over the summer months.
