Kon: After (Orthodox) Christmas, there'll be a spike in the number of new Covid cases once again

Photo: ATA images

Epidemiologist Predrag Kon told RTS this morning that an increase in the number of those infected with coronavirus is expected after the holidays, more precisely after Orthodox Christmas (Jan. 7), and that this has to do with a relaxing after the New Year. As he said, citizens acted in solidarity in that period and there were no organized parties, but in the days that followed, a larger number of people going out for a walk was noticeable. He also said that this risk cannot be compared to the risk of an organized celebration, but that he expects a slight increase after the holidays.

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"We can expect the situation to be improving day by day, but we should expect the consequences of the gatherings, especially in Belgrade. We had solidarity during the New Year, but there were people who relaxed, went out for a walk. I don't think it's comparable to the risk of New Year's parties, but we will see some results after Christmas," said Kon.

He also said that his New Year's wish for the Crisis HQ to be dissolved is nice, that he believes that many want that, too, but that it would be realistic for the medical part of the Crisis HQ to continue to be needed this year.

He also appealed for the vaccine to be taken as soon as possible. He calls it a weapon and estimates that it's not all the same how quickly it is used.

"So, in the near future, we will have a weapon - a vaccine - and it should be used as soon as possible. Israel vaccinated more than a million people in about 10 days. It is going slower than expected in the US. The speed of vaccination is not a question of ability, but of direct impact on the course of the pandemic," he told RTS.

He additionally commented on yesterday's post on Facebook, which has already been reported by the media. He reiterates that with 60 percent of citizens gaining immunity, there would be a collective immunity that would not prevent the virus from circulating, but that the waves would be smaller, and that it was still necessary for this number to be 80 percent of the population.

"And if we really want to suppress the virus, that means that about 3 million should be vaccinated. Of course, those who want to," he said, noting that the vaccine is safe: "Hesitation with vaccination is the worst thing that could slow us down. Every story is causing disturbance. It's true these are three vaccines, three different technologies, but there will be certificates for them. It’s like when you talk about the difference between a BMW and a Mercedes."

Regarding the continuation of the school year, he said that this is still not a topic, and that we should wait for testing numbers after the holidays.

"There has been no talk of prolonging it. Personally, I don't think that's necessary. It depends on the situation," he said.

He also said that there should be no hesitation with vaccination, and that this is his message.

"The quantities should be used up immediately as they arrive. And I am surprised that they have not already been spent, that there is a single dose left. Every drop should be consumed. We have priorities. I am sending a message that there should be no more hesitation," he pointed out.

(Telegraf.rs)