Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Inaccurate corona numbers: Drese wants information from doctors

Schwerin (dpa/mv) - Because the number of positive PCR tests no longer provides a sufficient picture of the corona infection situation, Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) wants to obtain additional information from the doctors.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Inaccurate corona numbers: Drese wants information from doctors

Schwerin (dpa/mv) - Because the number of positive PCR tests no longer provides a sufficient picture of the corona infection situation, Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) wants to obtain additional information from the doctors. "In the future, we will have to take several factors into account when assessing the pandemic situation," she said on Monday after a consultation with the country's Corona Expert Council.

Among other things, the possibility of establishing the recording of corona infections via a random sampling system in medical practices is currently being examined, explained Drese. "Alone the reported results of PCR tests are not meaningful enough." Not everyone whose rapid test is positive or who only has mild symptoms has a PCR test carried out.

It is conceivable that random samples of patients with respiratory diseases will be taken regularly in selected practices across the country and examined in the laboratory, a ministry spokeswoman explained the possible procedure. Based on the results, regional extrapolations would then be possible. "However, the possibilities of implementation must first be examined from a logistical, technical and financial point of view."

Drese announced a nine-point plan to combat Corona for autumn and winter. It is to be presented to the state cabinet shortly. So far, the basic structure is in place, but some federal political decisions are still missing. The Corona Expert Council should therefore meet again next week. The minister emphasized that in view of the security and energy policy crises worldwide, it is all the more important to minimize risks associated with the corona virus.

According to the ministry, the Corona expert council of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania consists of 11 permanent members and 15 other actors. Its members include professors Nils-Olaf Hübner, Lars Kaderali and Emil Reisinger, as well as representatives from charities, medical associations and local authorities.