Threat of a SARS-CoV-2 endemic in a large hospital specialized in rheumatic diseases-relative all clear through consistent testing

• Published in: Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie Vol. 80; no. 1; pp. 45 - 47
• Main Authors: Andreica, I, Guminski, B, Sokolar, J, Patru, A, Baraliakos, X, Braun, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.02.2021
• Subjects: COVID-19; Germany - epidemiology; Hospitals; Humans; Naphazoline; Rheumatic Diseases; SARS-CoV-2; Germany; COVID-19; Hospital for rheumatic diseases; Pandemic; Corona hygiene concept; SARS-CoV-2 antigen test
• ISSN: 1435-1250
• DOI: 10.1007/s00393-021-00959-8

The severe acute respiratory coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is keeping most countries of the world in suspense. In Germany the prevalence of SARS-CoV‑2 infections is under 2% but for weeks the numbers in Germany have also been increasing. The care in rheumatology was temporarily impaired by the first wave of the pandemic. This article reports the infection situation in the largest specialized rheumatology clinic in Germany, the Rheumatism Center Ruhrgebiet, because recently during the second wave for the first time several SARS-CoV‑2 infections occurred here over one weekend, which led to considerable anxiety in many of those involved. The situation could be clarified by consistent testing of patients and personnel with the rapid antigen test and the situation could be mollified. Ultimately, only a few persons were tested positive and the courses by the patients have so far remained bland. This shows the effectiveness of the protective hygiene measures consistently implemented since April.