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It should also be considered to include the pathogens of other respiratory infections (e.g. RSV, influenza) in the surveillance system in addition to SARS-CoV-2, according to Gecko in his report published on Friday.
“From GECKO’s point of view, in the event of a possible repeal of the COVID-19 legislation, care must be taken to maintain an appropriate level of surveillance. Wastewater monitoring and genomic surveillance (sequencing of positive samples) in particular have proven to be effective means proven to assess viral load in the general population,” says the present Advisory Panel document.
The collection and analysis of past and future data on SARS-CoV-2 should therefore “represent an important and indispensable aspect in planning the transfer of pandemic management to regular operations,” says the committee’s new “Executive Report”.
The protection of “vulnerable groups” should continue to be a focus “and especially when the current set of rules expires”. With regard to the COVID-19 medication, the procurement and administration must be included in regular operations.
Source: Nachrichten
