Politics and science continue to reflect on lessons from the Corona pandemic, with calls for a thorough evaluation. Virologist Christian Drosten distinguishes between scientific insight and political action, acknowledging mixed responses to initial measures. He highlights the effectiveness of restrictions while emphasizing the need to consider impacts on young adults. Berlin’s former mayor, Michael Müller, advocates for reflection on these decisions, addressing past tensions around vaccination. Media’s role in shaping public perception is also scrutinized, indicating room for improvement in communication.
For an extended period, the realms of politics and science have been engaged in a dialogue regarding the lessons learned from the Corona pandemic. Federal President Steinmeier has called for a comprehensive evaluation, while experts like Drosten and Müller share insights on what could have been handled more effectively.
Virologist Christian Drosten emphasizes the distinction between scientific evaluation and political action in the WDR-Podcast ‘CUT’. He articulates that while science can illuminate the current situation and available options, the interpretation and subsequent actions are ultimately in the hands of politicians.
Reflecting on the initial measures implemented in March nearly five years ago, Drosten admits, “I was somewhat surprised by the political response. It seemed to escalate more rapidly and aggressively than I had anticipated. I provided the necessary background information, and when the first measures were introduced in mid-March, I found myself taken aback by some of the political interpretations.”
Drosten’s Insights: A Balanced Perspective
Despite his surprise, Drosten notes that it would be inaccurate to claim that political reactions were universally excessive. “In certain areas, politics acted with more boldness or strength than I believed was warranted by the scientific advice, while in other situations, it was the opposite. A clear example of this was the winter of 2020/21, where governmental actions fell short and were delayed during a severe wave,” he explains.
It is important to recognize that virologists like Christian Drosten played a crucial role in advising the federal government, with many decisions stemming from their scientific recommendations. Today, there is a consensus that a thorough evaluation of the pandemic is necessary.
From a scientific standpoint, measures such as mask mandates and assembly restrictions were effective in curbing the virus’s spread, asserts Drosten. He highlights that assembly bans were particularly impactful, stating, “They yielded the most significant results. The smaller the group sizes, the more effective the measures were, indicating that stricter regulations led to better outcomes,” as shared in the WDR-podcast.
The WDR-Podcast ‘CUT’ also explores the societal divisions caused by the Corona pandemic and the rifts it created among friends and families.
Müller: A Call for Reflection on Young Adults
Michael Müller, the Berlin SPD politician who served as the city’s governing mayor during the pandemic, was a significant political figure at the time. As the chair of the conference of prime ministers from autumn 2020 to autumn 2021, he played a vital role in shaping the governmental response. Now, five years later, he advocates for a political reflection on that period.
Müller believes that while most measures taken were justified, he also recognizes the need for self-reflection. “We extensively discussed the elderly in nursing homes, which was necessary. However, we did not adequately consider the impact on young adults. They were unable to visit their families due to travel restrictions, and workplaces, restaurants, and universities were closed to them,” he notes.
Addressing the Unvaccinated and Societal Tensions
The issue of unvaccinated individuals was a hot topic during the pandemic. Müller previously criticized them for perceived ‘selfishness and indifference.’ Reflecting on his stance, he acknowledges in the WDR-podcast, “I welcome any inquiry or concern, and I understand that people desired better information or more time to consider the situation.” While some aspects were not executed perfectly, he still believes in the core message of maintaining distance, wearing masks, and accepting vaccination offers to protect others.
Müller faced scrutiny for his political choices not only from the public but also within his personal circles. He recounts a poignant moment involving a friend who could not be with his father during his final moments due to imposed regulations, which raised profound questions for him.
An exclusive survey conducted by the ARD-DeutschlandTrend for the WDR-Podcast ‘CUT’ reveals that nearly half of the population experienced disputes with family or friends during the pandemic, often revolving around differing views on vaccination.
Media’s Role in the Pandemic Narrative
Was media coverage a contributing factor to these divisions? Florian Harms, a prominent journalist and editor-in-chief of t-online, asserts, “At no point did I feel that certain opinions were suppressed by media, as seen in autocratic regimes.” Nonetheless, he critiques the media’s overemphasis on government decisions, particularly in public broadcasting.
Both Harms and several scientists express concerns that the public was not adequately informed about which virologists and scientists served as political advisors. This is an area that necessitates improvement.
In retrospect, there are numerous aspects to revisit and discuss, providing valuable insights for future scenarios. A societal examination of the Corona pandemic could aid in better navigating potential historical challenges ahead.